Leslie Larson
May 2022 - Carmine Bee Eaters
About the Image(s)
The Bee-eaters were taken in Botswana with a hand held 70-300mm lens. F/25, 1/400, ISO 800. If I had it to do over I'd make the f/ larger and lower the ISO. They were far away so I had to do some heavy cropping and work in Photoshop to bring out the contrast. It's a little overworked but I love the position of the birds and the colors. I put a vignette on because the sky was washed out. I suppose I could replace the sky, but I didn't.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted
Welcome to the group. I love the high key look you gave this photo. I don't think it is overworked in an artistic sense. The complimentary colors nicely show off the birds. Posted: 05/13/2022 12:16:10
Leslie, Welcome and I love the composition of this image and you made due with what you had (far away and bland skies). The snag and Bee Eaters draw you into the photo and keep you there. I too like the high key approach. Beautiful birds for sure. Nice work and it shows.
Have you found a sweet spot (f stop) for getting depth of field using a zoom lens? I think it is lens dependent, but I have be working on trying to find it for my two long lens. Right now my Sony 100-400 appears to be between 13-18 and I haven't tried with my Nikon 500 PF lens, yet. Did you travel with something larger than the 100-300 (just curiosity for me)? Last time I went I did not have my Sony camera or lens. Used Nikon d500 and d850 with 500pf and Nikkor 100-400. Posted: 05/16/2022 10:54:26
Have you found a sweet spot (f stop) for getting depth of field using a zoom lens? I think it is lens dependent, but I have be working on trying to find it for my two long lens. Right now my Sony 100-400 appears to be between 13-18 and I haven't tried with my Nikon 500 PF lens, yet. Did you travel with something larger than the 100-300 (just curiosity for me)? Last time I went I did not have my Sony camera or lens. Used Nikon d500 and d850 with 500pf and Nikkor 100-400. Posted: 05/16/2022 10:54:26
Hi Sherry, thanks for your input. I only have 2 aging lenses (70-300 zoom and 24-105) and 2 Canon camera bodies (EOS 70D and 90D). I use haze filters to protect the lenses. I own polarizer filters but rarely manage to remember to use them. That's it, my entire kit.
When I travel I don't like to worry about really expensive gear getting stolen. Plus I'm cheap. My focus is wildlife and travel photography. As for f stops. I play a lot with those depending on the available light and the distance of the subject... But mostly with how much of the image I want in focus.
Saying that, I frequently have every setting wrong when something exciting happens. Bah! Posted: 05/16/2022 12:01:28
When I travel I don't like to worry about really expensive gear getting stolen. Plus I'm cheap. My focus is wildlife and travel photography. As for f stops. I play a lot with those depending on the available light and the distance of the subject... But mostly with how much of the image I want in focus.
Saying that, I frequently have every setting wrong when something exciting happens. Bah! Posted: 05/16/2022 12:01:28
Welcome to our group, Leslie!
F 25??? What lens were you using? I've not seen a lens that goes to f25? DId you mean f/2.5?
African Bee Eaters are amazing birds and I'm glad that you shared this elegant photo.
Was this an overcast day? I don't see a distinct light source or a catch light in either birds' eye.
Beautiful colors and I love the way the branch acts as a leading line up towards the birds. Posted: 05/17/2022 14:27:36
F 25??? What lens were you using? I've not seen a lens that goes to f25? DId you mean f/2.5?
African Bee Eaters are amazing birds and I'm glad that you shared this elegant photo.
Was this an overcast day? I don't see a distinct light source or a catch light in either birds' eye.
Beautiful colors and I love the way the branch acts as a leading line up towards the birds. Posted: 05/17/2022 14:27:36
My Canon D90 goes up to f/32!! Posted: 05/17/2022 18:54:29
OOPS, I meant 90D Posted: 05/20/2022 17:09:13
Awesome. Forgive me for saying I'm envious! Posted: 05/27/2022 15:07:23