More from my D60..can you tell I'm addicted now!?

NicolaB · #1 (**permalink**) 17-04-2008, 08:09 PM

I made a trip to my local pond (Sandy Water Park in Llanelli) to make the most of the evening light and take some pics of the birds there in some much needed sun!!

Any tips gratefully recieved, as always!

i don't know how I managed without a DSLR!

The Mute Swans were the stars....

And this pair of mallard were rather nice too!

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And I also liked this one of a gadwall, even though he's a bit blurry..

Aleutian Canada Goose

Ollie · #2 (**permalink**) 17-04-2008, 08:23 PM

Some nice shots with some great poses Nicola.

Without wanting to be critical the white on the Swans is slightly over exposed losing the detail. I would have used a little - exposure compensation on these. I always use at least -2/3rds of a stop compensation on Swans depending of course on the lighting conditions at the time.

The shutter speed on the Gadwall was not fast enough to freeze the wing action but I like it as it gives a nice sense of the movement.

Apart from that these are very nice and sharp images.

Roger

NicolaB · #3 (**permalink**) 17-04-2008, 08:29 PM

Thanks!

Being critical is fine, Ollie! This is my first DSLR, so I'm really after tips and advice at the moment

A lot of my swan shots were REALLY overexposed (and went straight in the bin!), these were the better ones..I definitely need to get to grips on the manual settings a bit more

DaiTheDragon · #4 (**permalink**) 18-04-2008, 05:21 AM

Sandy Water Park is where I went to learn ho to use my DSLR. Because the Swans and ducks are so cooperative after you take a shot have a look at your histogram. If it is over exposed the histogram will be too far to the right, under exposed it will be to far to the left. You can then adjust the exposure compensation to get it right and take another shot.
If you want, next time you go to Sandy Water Park or the wetlands PM me and I can meet you and give you some help.

Dai

NicolaB · #5 (**permalink**) 18-04-2008, 07:47 AM

Thanks very much Dai!

I'm planning a trip to the wetlands centre in the next couple of weeks, so will let you know when I'm up there

You're right about the co-operative ducks and swans there...there were moments when I wished I was using my kit lens as they were literally standing on my feet at times!