I don't know about you, but I always learn from my disappointments. I remember when I got my first SLR and 75-300mm Canon lens. I was zooming in on everything. At a 75mm focal length, I had good results, and as soon as I extended the focal length to 300mm, Boom! It hit me with blur and fuzziness; even a higher ISO didn't help. So lesson learned. The longer the focal length, or if you zoom in on something that is far away, it takes longer for the light to travel to your sensor in a DSLR, thus the bad result. I know the tripod helps, but again, my objects of interest are always on the run, and I am not running with the tripod around.
The conclusion, before you blame your camera, is that it is all about light, light, and more light. My advice is to, if possible, get closer to the object and avoid zooming in, especially when the light is low, or ask the object to come closer, like I did. This also applies to point-and-shoot digital cameras. Note that on a good sunny day, this is not an issue. However, you know what I still didn't learn when I got my 100-400mm Canon lens: I love close-ups, especially zooming at the birds, which is the intention of my telephoto lens. Here is my action shot, something I asked for.
A small fact about the Belted Kingfisher: it is the only one found in Canada. I tell you, it's a very nice bird to watch.
Lastly, let me tell you about a little hobby I used to have. I used to collect postcards, and I still do. But with digital technology, it seems like I don't need to buy them anymore. My photos of landscapes met the postcard's expectations. Like Sky Watch, Flower of the Day posts, etc. I am going to introduce a post that will use my photos, and the end result will be a digital postcard. To make a long story short, I am going to create digital postcards from my photographs. It may be good for further exercising my creative mind. It is still in the plans, but I already have a full head of ideas.
~ Anna
The conclusion, before you blame your camera, is that it is all about light, light, and more light. My advice is to, if possible, get closer to the object and avoid zooming in, especially when the light is low, or ask the object to come closer, like I did. This also applies to point-and-shoot digital cameras. Note that on a good sunny day, this is not an issue. However, you know what I still didn't learn when I got my 100-400mm Canon lens: I love close-ups, especially zooming at the birds, which is the intention of my telephoto lens. Here is my action shot, something I asked for.
"I'm disappointed, but I'm not going to run around like Dennis Rodman and headbutt somebody." ~ Greg NormanI said to my husband, 'What does it take for the kingfisher to get closer to me so I can take his photo?' My wish was granted during my birding walk when the Belted Kingfisher [Ceryle alcyon] flew closer and sat on the bridge plank. But for a few seconds only, and since I extended my lens to a 400mm focal length and the sun was almost at the horizon, I didn't get a super clean photo of him. Lucky for me, I use a higher ISO.
A small fact about the Belted Kingfisher: it is the only one found in Canada. I tell you, it's a very nice bird to watch.
Lastly, let me tell you about a little hobby I used to have. I used to collect postcards, and I still do. But with digital technology, it seems like I don't need to buy them anymore. My photos of landscapes met the postcard's expectations. Like Sky Watch, Flower of the Day posts, etc. I am going to introduce a post that will use my photos, and the end result will be a digital postcard. To make a long story short, I am going to create digital postcards from my photographs. It may be good for further exercising my creative mind. It is still in the plans, but I already have a full head of ideas.
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Bea :)
And when will your digipostcard be ready?
I am back!!!!! lol
Thanks for having dropped by my blog while I was away. I remember that in one of your comments you asked if my new image displayed my smiling lips...the answer is: yes! lol
And I noticed your new image: Matthew is getting big!! :D
I can't wait to see your postcards: I am curious now :)!
It is so good to be back here!
Cheers
I can't wait for your postcards...I will be watching. You have such a great blog...keep up the great work!
Dan
Thank you for all your tips they are so important to me. Also your amazing photography you so gifted! :D
I am having fun with my new D90 Nikon and first telephoto lens, just as you describe when you first got yours. Thank you for a really timely post for me. Now, if I could just figure out how to get my subjects to come closer. I've been watching a belted kingfisher at Jericho, but so far, haven't been able to get any photo worth keeping. Just one of many challenges:)
I think the postcard idea is a good one. My queen and I used to go to Venice Beach almost every weekend---even sometimes during the week. I'd take off work and away we went. We'd spend all day walking along the boardwalk people watching and, before long, I had a box full of photos. We had sunsets, high tide, low tide, weirdos, entertainers, artists, bikinis, muscle builders, surfers, landscapes, pictures of the pier and the various businesses along the strand. We even saw a few movie stars. In other words, we had it all. And it did occur to us to make postcards and try to sell them on the beach, or just keep them for our collection. But we never did, and I regret that we didn't follow through. Now, many of those pictures are gone---somehow vanished into thin air. So don't make the same mistake. Making postcards can be a lot of fun, and provide years of great memories. And you...are a great photographer.
Happy trails.
Yesterday I noticed that we had some chickadees on a fir tree in front of our house. I asked a birder friend about this and he said that our winter chickadees go to Canada in the summer. The chickadees that show up here for a few weeks in August and September are from California. They return to California in the fall and yours return to Washington and Oregon. Not being expert on birds myself, I am not sure how accurate this is, but it is interesting none the less. I will keep my eyes open next winter for one with a black belt.
We recently gave our eldest son a nikon for his 30th birthday. He swore he wouldn't use it until he read its bible!
Can you suggest any books that he may learn from?
Take Care,
Peter
What do Greg Norman and Anna have in common?
A: Both have an eye for beauty!
Take Care,
Peter
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I love this shot. It's awesome! A useful substitute for a tripod is the monopod. It can be made from a good walking stick giving you a useful item when your camera isn't on it. Another way to do the stabilization thing is to put your opposite hand on your shoulder and brace your camera on your elbow and forearm. The best film camera I ever had was an old Argus that let me look through the lens, not just an eye piece, as I took the picture. If the image was too dark I could change the settings and see the results as I aimed the camera. I've not found a way to do that with my digital yet and it's a somewhat improved point and shoot. Mine is a Canon Powershot A570IS. I'm finding that I prefer the tiny lens view to the nice sized image display on the back. I just need to get better with all the controls I guess.
Cheers!
Lee
kiss of a girl
I always admired people who are able to see the beauty around us and memorize them in pictures. Yours are really amazing. I love them. And trust me if i ever happen to come across a postcard made out of your shot I would buy it without second thought!!
I can feel the difference in our photos... yours feel green and cool where mine although green, you can feel the heat...
Cheers, parsnip
Great shot, Anna. I also have a telephoto lens and have the same thing happen.
Have a super weekend!!!
Hugs, JJ
Hugs, JJ
Thanks for the visit,
Troy
Luckily for me, as I shoot more street than wildlife, the only focal problem I got is to get the widest lens I can :)
Great photo, by the way!
Samson
But jokes apart, I just dropped by to wish you a great day :)
I have a post card collection too - mostly the really old ones from the early 1900's. Your photos will make the most beautiful postcards!
That's exciting, to make postcards. I'm sure they'll be beautiful, as all your birds shots are excellent! Can't wait to see them!
Just came over to say hello. We are still having trouble keeping up with everyone's blogs....mom blames that on summer time!
--JB
You write information in a very easy to understand manner that includes examples - I love it. The manuals out there are often full of dull technical language that makes it impossible to understand! So thanks again. :) Best wishes to Matthew and looking forward to your postcards!
I do not know how to take a photo, but I sure appreciate fine photography. Your picture here is stunning, and my late father would have loved it as he was an amateur bird watcher. Thanks for sharing. -Mike K.