Wild Turkey - Non-Alcoholic

[DivotMaker]

Just trying my hand at wildlife, and had this opportunity.

Would really appreciate some critique on:

1. Composition, pose (if you want to call it that).
2. Lighting
3. DOF - Exposure.
4. What would you have done differently?



Camera: Nikon D90
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 195 mm
ISO Speed: 250
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

[kirbinster]

I would have gone for shallower depth of field as the background is really not that interesting. Also I would have dialed in some positive exposure compensation as the bird is a little under exposed. That said, I really that many times this type of shot is a split second thing and you just fire away and don't really have time to optimize everything or you miss the creature as it flies away.

[Laurenbiz]

Very cool! I've seen a wild turkey about two blocks away from my house, but I've never had my camera with me the two times that I've driven by him!

The only suggestion I have is that the tree stump seems 'blah.' I like the composition, and how he is near the right of the frame and he's looking into the majority of the frame. But, the tree stump seems like it's just too obvious and it is uninteresting :-/

You may try cropping just the turkey, or maybe some clone stamping to deal with the stump? That's a lot of clone stamping, though - that will be a challenge.

You've done a great job considering the limitations here - where the turkey was positioned, how you were positioned, (maybe limited to different angles since he might get spooked if you moved,) lighting, etc. I like the photo :-)

[DivotMaker]

Thank you both so much for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time.

kirbinster - After all said and done, I agree with you, a shallower DOF would have done nice.

Laurenbiz - The stump is actually a big rock and they were here and there, made it really hard to work around...but I agree with you also...have to work on it next time.

Thank you again, your comments and suggestions will help me to consider more during my next outing...even if it is totally unexpected as this one was.

You are great.

Divot