2 Squirrel pics, comments and criticism welcomed

I took these with my D40 and 70-300mm VR. The squirrel on the feeder is a 100% crop that has been sharpened a bit in Elements. The other squirrel pic was corrected and sharpened a bit as well. I am still learning how to use the camera and the lens and would appreciate any comments.



Filename : DSC_0150.JPG
JFIF_APP1 : Exif
JFIF_APP1 : http
Main Information
Make : NIKON CORPORATION
Model : NIKON D40
Software : Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0
DateTime : 2007:05:23 15:49:18
Sub Information
ExposureTime : 1/200Sec
FNumber : F8.0
ExposureProgram : Aperture Priority
ISOSpeedRatings : 800
ExifVersion : 0221
DateTimeOriginal : 2007:05:23 09:58:53
DateTimeDigitized : 2007:05:23 09:58:53
CompressedBitsPerPixel : 4/1 (bit/pixel)
ExposureBiasValue : EV0.0
MaxApertureValue : F5.3
MeteringMode : Division
LightSource : Unidentified
Flash : Not fired
FocalLength : 195.00(mm)
ExifImageWidth : 3008
ExifImageHeight : 2000
ExposureMode : Auto
WhiteBalance : Auto
DigitalZoomRatio : 1/1
FocalLength(35mm) : 292(mm)
SceneCaptureType : Standard
GainControl : Low gain up
Contrast : Normal
Saturation : Normal
Sharpness : Normal
SubjectDistanceRange : Unknown



Filename : DSC_0155.JPG
JFIF_APP1 : Exif
JFIF_APP1 : http
Main Information
Make : NIKON CORPORATION
Model : NIKON D40
Software : Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0
DateTime : 2007:05:23 11:55:31
Sub Information
ExposureTime : 1/60Sec
FNumber : F8.0
ExposureProgram : Aperture Priority
ISOSpeedRatings : 800
ExifVersion : 0221
DateTimeOriginal : 2007:05:23 09:59:48
DateTimeDigitized : 2007:05:23 09:59:47
CompressedBitsPerPixel : 4/1 (bit/pixel)
ExposureBiasValue : EV0.0
MaxApertureValue : F5.3
MeteringMode : Division
LightSource : Unidentified
Flash : Not fired
FocalLength : 195.00(mm)
ExifImageWidth : 3008
ExifImageHeight : 2000
ExposureMode : Auto
WhiteBalance : Auto
DigitalZoomRatio : 1/1
FocalLength(35mm) : 292(mm)
SceneCaptureType : Standard
GainControl : Low gain up
Contrast : Normal
Saturation : Normal
Sharpness : Normal
SubjectDistanceRange : Unknown

Patrick,

These look much better than your last post. Photo #1 is still a bit dark to my taste. I can see that it is back lighted. You might try lightening the shadows with Elements. Photo #2 is very nice. Exposure looks spot on to me. Are you happier with these?

Thanks for the feedback. I am happier with the results I have been getting lately. One of the things I think that may have been affecting my shots, besides the fact as you pointed out I have a talent for shooting backlit objects, is that I wasn't waiting for the VR of the 70-300 to stabilize the image in the viewfinder before taking the picture. As soon as I would hear beep of the autofocus, I just assumed that meant the VR was good as well. Now I am actually paying attention to the stabilization in the view finder, and I think it's helping a bit with the sharpness.

I've also discovered that as Ken's guide says, the Vivid setting really makes a difference on color and sharpness. But I didn't have it on for these squirrel shots.

I very much appreciate your tip about the subject being backlit. That's something I will try to pay more attention to as well. When a subject is backlit, do you recommend using the flash, even outdoors? It seems like sometimes though when I get a subject hit by direct sunlight, it throws off the camera and the either the subject gets blown highlights, or the background will be dark. I guess I have to use my judgement on the exposure compensation in that scenario?

Thanks!

Back lighting is tough and I don't have all the answers. Flash may be helpful depending on the distance. Or use spot metering. You have to decide what is most important to your shot and expose for that. I can see that you are getting there.

Not bad series of pictures; very sharp capture and no blurreness....

--

Added one more that I had overlooked...

Patrick, i really like this last shot, it seems more natural than that on the feeder. and much better contrast...

I was interested to read your comment,

"I wasn't waiting for the VR of the 70-300 to stabilize the image in the viewfinder before taking the picture. As soon as I would hear beep of the autofocus, I just assumed that meant the VR was good as well. Now I am actually paying attention to the stabilization in the view finder, and I think it's helping a bit with the sharpness.
"

I have same set up but never noticed the stabiliza in the view finder, I hear a click from the VR but thats all, am i missing somthing ?.

What I meant by "seeing the stabilization in the viewfinder" was just that, since I have shaky hands, before the image stablization really kicks in (even though I hear it making noises the whole time the shutter release button is half pressed) the subject I am focusing on is usually a little jittery at 300mm. I notice that if I wait about 1-2 seconds, the jittery-ness smooths out and I am almost able to hold the focus still on the subject. If I then release the button (i.e. don't take the picture), in the view finder, the subject becomes jittery again. At first, I didn't reaize I had to wait for this... perhaps you don't at high shutter speeds. But I've doing been most of my shooting at 300mm, and it seems difficult to find situations where you can shoot at high shutter speeds and low ISO at that magnification.

Thanks for the comments!

nice pix, I like the 3rd one better..
good job..

I understand now Patrick, It certainly helped me as i too have a aged shake.
Thanks for expliaining in more detail...

Great photos of tree rats!

Taken through house window

If you are having troubles with hand shake have you tried a monopod?

They are Lightweight, compact, still let you move around, and double as a walking stick.

I like the slik Lighty Pod III. Its about $65 US and has a built in ball joint so you can still rotate the camera 90 for vertical shots. I use it with my D80 and a 70-300 lens for low light all the time.
--
Macduff
http://j-ndesign.smugmug.net

Picture 3 is my favorer.. I love it..
and nice shots.

Macduff said:

If you are having troubles with hand shake have you tried a monopod?
They are Lightweight, compact, still let you move around, and
double as a walking stick.

I like the slik Lighty Pod III. Its about $65 US and has a built in
ball joint so you can still rotate the camera 90 for vertical
shots. I use it with my D80 and a 70-300 lens for low light all the
time.
--
Macduff
http://j-ndesign.smugmug.net

Click to expand...

but that is kinda not stable or? and I think the D80 with the 70-300mm is kinda bulk for the 3 kg Monopod...

but what do u think of Manfrotto 680?

I haven't tried the other one but any good pod will help.

I use mine beacuse it was free and I've had it for a few years. I just upgraded from a Fuji S7000. It works alright and is more stable than hand held. I might get a new one if I get a heavier lens.
--
Macduff
http://j-ndesign.smugmug.net

The first is very ordinary and the subject a bit centered. I like the second better as it’s fun the way it is looking at you and the diagonal it creates coming out of the upper right is good composition.

Morris

--



http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/~morris/POD

Morris,

Thanks for the constructive advice... I appreciate the technical critique. On the second, I was actually a little scared he was going to go rambo and jump on me since I was between him and the feeder, but couldn't pass up the opportunity for the pic!

Thanks!