First try with bird-shooting, some problems :(

[fengwei]

Went to SBG today trying to get some bird shots, it's the first time I tried my Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 lens. Still not used to hand-held a big lens, some shakings here and there.

Anyway, got a couple of bird shots (w/fill-in flash). Looks the birds exposed okay (some shaking though), but some part over-exposed






Any cure on this kind of shots? Of course if the lighting is okay, I could get better ones without using flash. Any suggestion on getting a better shot under a cloudy light condition? Of course I know I need more practise shooting with big lenses

Thanks and cheers!

[John]

Originally Posted by fengwei Went to SBG today trying to get some bird shots, it's the first time I tried my Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 lens. Still not used to hand-held a big lens, some shakings here and there. Anyway, got a couple of bird shots (w/fill-in flash). Looks the birds exposed okay (some shaking though), but some part over-exposed Any cure on this kind of shots? Of course if the lighting is okay, I could get better ones without using flash. Any suggestion on getting a better shot under a cloudy light condition? Of course I know I need more practise shooting with big lenses Thanks and cheers!

70-200mm F2.8 is not really a big lens.

Use diffuser doom and cutback on your flash.... For the case abovce the flash seems rather strong...maybe try -1/3 to - 1. Different camera have different setting and effect..try it out.

On a cloudy day...tough ..but try using the +1/3 to +1...maybe you want to try that without your diffuser doom..

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by John 70-200mm F2.8 is not really a big lens. Use diffuser doom and cutback on your flash.... For the case abovce the flash seems rather strong...maybe try -1/3 to - 1. Different camera have different setting and effect..try it out. On a cloudy day...tough ..but try using the +1/3 to +1...maybe you want to try that without your diffuser doom..

Thanks John for the tips. To me the Sigma lens is a BIG one lah

Will try again next week. After all these three months' pratices, I still have problem with my flash Using a flash is like a gamble too me, sometimes got quite nice shots, but sometimes over or under exposed ...

[John]

Originally Posted by fengwei Thanks John for the tips. To me the Sigma lens is a BIG one lah Will try again next week. After all these three months' pratices, I still have problem with my flash Using a flash is like a gamble too me, sometimes got quite nice shots, but sometimes over or under exposed ...

dont be disheartened and dont give up..keep..trying...I am no expert...but i have been experiementing a lot...I learnt from many months of faulire and mistakes...there will be more mistake that you will make as you shoot more.

The expert here like ..SK Foo, CCP Lim etc......the bird shooting master ... sure can and be willng to help. I really envy the shots they have..and I still cannot achieve their standards. : bsmilie:

[John]

Originally Posted by fengwei Thanks John for the tips. To me the Sigma lens is a BIG one lah Will try again next week. After all these three months' pratices, I still have problem with my flash Using a flash is like a gamble too me, sometimes got quite nice shots, but sometimes over or under exposed ...

My suggesstions is joined up with the NPSS guys and go with them on theirr outings and learnt from people like Chee wai..Graimes..Dennis etc...they are very good ..can learnt lots from them..it can help cut short your learning cycle

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by John My suggesstions is joined up with the NPSS guys and go with them on theirr outings and learnt from people like Chee wai..Graimes..Dennis etc...they are very good ..can learnt lots from them..it can help cut short your learning cycle

Thanks. I'll sure look for these guys in future outtings

Cheers!

[skfoo]

Originally Posted by John dont be disheartened and dont give up..keep..trying...I am no expert...but i have been experiementing a lot...I learnt from many months of faulire and mistakes...there will be more mistake that you will make as you shoot more. The expert here like ..SK Foo, CCP Lim etc......the bird shooting master ... sure can and be willng to help. I really envy the shots they have..and I still cannot achieve their standards. : bsmilie:

John,

Thanks for the compliments. I am still learning each time I am out in the field and is just glad to be able to help others along the way.

Fengwei,

Quote: Any cure on this kind of shots?

You can try using the blinking highlight feature to determine the area that are overexposed after every shot. Reduce the flash output accordingly to achieve the desire results. Some things are more reflective than the others. If the above doesn't help, try to exclude it (the reflective item) from the image by choosing another angle or location altogether.

On image being blur issues, try NOT to shoot at low shutter speeds (ie lower than 1/125s). Use a more stable platform (like a tripod) to support the equipments.

Just my two cents worth.

Cheers!

[ccplim]

Originally Posted by John dont be disheartened and dont give up..keep..trying...I am no expert...but i have been experiementing a lot...I learnt from many months of faulire and mistakes...there will be more mistake that you will make as you shoot more. The expert here like ..SK Foo, CCP Lim etc......the bird shooting master ... sure can and be willng to help. I really envy the shots they have..and I still cannot achieve their standards. : bsmilie:

Hi John,

Thanks for the really kind compliments. We are not any master but rather, we are some very ordinary people which are still learning and sharing like all the bros here did.

[John]

Originally Posted by ccplim Hi John, Thanks for the really kind compliments. We are not any master but rather, we are some very ordinary people which are still learning and sharing like all the bros here did.

very modest..CCP & SK...hope to see more of your shots.

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by skfoo John, Thanks for the compliments. I am still learning each time I am out in the field and is just glad to be able to help others along the way. Fengwei, You can try using the blinking highlight feature to determine the area that are overexposed after every shot. Reduce the flash output accordingly to achieve the desire results. Some things are more reflective than the others. If the above doesn't help, try to exclude it (the reflective item) from the image by choosing another angle or location altogether. On image being blur issues, try NOT to shoot at low shutter speeds (ie lower than 1/125s). Use a more stable platform (like a tripod) to support the equipments. Just my two cents worth. Cheers!

Thanks SK for the tips. Always admire your works. I guess I know how hard it is to get great shots like yours. It's not only the tech, the gears, but most of all, it's the passion and the patience. I was there for only about 2 hours, felt tired and impatient. Anyway, will try more for sure.

It'll be great if we could shoot out together sometimes I'm sure I can learn a lot from you guys, just like I did from some other guys in previous outtings.

Cheers!