I was taking photos of the Common Tern last spring which was challenging because they fly so fast and I was also experimenting with manual camera settings, something I’m averse at doing. I had better images than this, but they looked too much like records shots, so I chose this image because it tells more of a story with action and purpose. However, this shot was taken through tall grass and at some distance resulting is a less than great image, and when cropping the image, certain qualities simply worsened.
I like this image because of the story it tells, so I am soliciting recommendations from the group that might help this image more than what I was able to do in Lightroom. Please feel free to download the attached original. All comments will be appreciated.
Handheld full frame camera body using a 100-400 mm lens set at 255 mm, 1/4000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000.
8 comments posted
Leslie Larson
From the original I think it's amazing you managed what you did. The grasses are slightly distracting but the tern is sharp and having the fish and catch light make the shot. Afraid I have no solution to the grasses problem having had it myself many times. Posted: 02/08/2025 00:01:04
Jim Overfield
Thank you Leslie Posted: 02/22/2025 12:43:16
Tom Buckard
Jim, this is an amazing shot. If you weren't in manual you never would have got it. Your main focal point had to be well behind the bird but depth of field range big enough to capture the bird and water while excluding the tall grass in the front from focus and the woods in the back. The fish and the wing down really makes it. Also like the tall grass. Posted: 02/14/2025 23:42:25
Jim Overfield
Thanks Tom, not comfortable shooting in manual mode, but will continue to practice. Posted: 02/22/2025 12:48:05
Ron Spencer
Agree with Tom. The dof makes the grass essentially invisible till you concentrate on it. Focus is great Posted: 02/18/2025 02:08:08
Jim Overfield
Thank you Ron. Posted: 02/22/2025 12:48:27
Michael Braunstein
Great capture showing behavior. Do you use auto ISO in manual ? Makes manual easy Posted: 02/22/2025 04:11:25
Jim Overfield
Thanks Michael. Shooting in manual mode is like juggling balls for me. My grandkids enjoy when I juggle two balls at a time for them. But they laugh at me when I try using three balls. Forget it, auto ISO is a must! Posted: 02/22/2025 12:58:52
