How could I have taken a better photo than this woodpecker?

I was just my camera set up when this woodpecker flew to the feeder. I was inside and just had to start snapping away through the glass door.

I had my Sigma 500 Super flash on the camera and turned on. There is a ton of backlighting. And the Sigma 105 (non DG) macro lens was attached.

How could I have taken a good photo? Here's two of the photos I got:





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falconsusi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10463282@N04/

Maybe hang the feeder from the other side of the tree?

I have no experience with flash photography. From what I'm seeing the complete lack of shadows is bugging me. Maybe turn down the flash a tad. Also bird pictures usually are better the closer you can get. Last thing to do is check that the focus is on the bird, and not on the tree bark.

Don't use ISO-800, don't use f2.8 (#2) & don't shoot through glass. The pose in #1 is not a great angle. Actually #2 turned out half decent given the conditions.

Try ISO-200, & f4 - f5.6. I use spot AF too. Not sure what you used. A longer lens would help too - at least 300mm.
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AEH
http://aehass.zenfolio.com/
Question: What do you do all week?
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What's wrong with using ISO 800 (or even higher) on the A700? I'd prefer a little bit of noise to missing the shot entirely or having extreme blur.

He's using a flash. No reason not to use ISO-200.

Another tip. Concentrate your focusing on the eye. If the eye is not IF, the shot is generally a failure.
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AEH
http://aehass.zenfolio.com/
Question: What do you do all week?
Answer: Mon to Fri. Nothing, Sat & Sun I rest!

Flash must disturb the birds as well as giving very flat lighting. Natural backlight helps to give more detail in the feathers. For small birds up close you need a long lens that focuses very close. I normally use an extension tube with the Tamron 200-500. To take away the appearance of a feeder you can use a piece of wood for the birds to land on or set up a more natural background.



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dhaslam
http://www.pbase.com/dhaslam/galleries

1)Find a woodpecker in a natural setting, not one that is baited, under a tree canopy where you think you need flash, But one out in an area with direct sunlight.
2)Shoot the woodpecker in the correct lighting
3)Use a lens with an established sweet spot, not wide open.

4)Noise is a negative, use a lower ISO with good lighting with the sun at a low angle.
5)use a fast enough shutter speed to stop the action.
6)use the correct WB for conditions
7)use correct hold and shoot discipline
8) Use a better lens

These are all answers to the question that you asked : " how could I have taken a better photo than this woodpecker



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Bill
Capturing memories, one at a time.

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