Rainbow Lorikeet

[wings of a bluebird]

My main question is wrt composition. I think everything else is working in this pic (please let me know if not) - however I'm wondering if this pic is less effective because I've cut off his tail in camera?? I wanted to try and get as close as I could to see his eyes, and in doing so lost his tail.... major loss?



SOOC image (resized, saved for web and watermarked)

EXIF info
Camera: Canon 550D
Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec
Exposure: Manual
F-Stop: f/5.6
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Focal Length: 171.0mm

[RichardTaylor]

I think it is either a head shot or the full bird not something in between..

The blown stand is a major distraction as are the blown highlights on the neck.

[wings of a bluebird]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

The blown stand is a major distraction as are the blown highlights on the neck.

hmm ok quick question.
How could I have avoided getting the highlights on the neck and the table when it's early morning and the sun is bright?

[RichardTaylor]

In light like this it is very difficult, especially for the stand..

Three things you can do.
(1) wait for the light to change.
(2) try to change your shooting position.
(3) Check your histogram (or check for "blinkies" (blown highlight indication)) and adjust your exposure downward. Shooting RAW may help, up to a point, to recover highlights and with noise reduction if part of the bird is under exposed.

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If you have a long lens it can be very easy to shoot Rainbow Lorikeets in Australia, especially in urban environments where they are used to people.
Now days in lighting situations like this I don't even try.

[wings of a bluebird]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

In light like this it is very difficult, especially for the stand..

Three things you can do.
(1) wait for the light to change.
(2) try to change your shooting position.
(3) Check your histogram (or check for "blinkies" (blown highlight indication)) and adjust your exposure downward. Shooting RAW may help, up to a point, to recover highlights and with noise reduction if part of the bird is under exposed.

----------
If you have a long lens it can be very easy to shoot Rainbow Lorikeets in Australia, especially in urban environments where they are used to people.
Now days in lighting situations like this I don't even try.

Thanks, I did change position a few times, but didn't want to spook them too much. This is at a camping ground where we were camping and the birds are wild but do let you hand feed them (there's photos in my flikr of my daughter doing so).

I guess trying to keep a 3 year old from spooking them also stops much chance of me getting it right I just have to take what opportunities I get to take pics, with or without kids in tow.

[RichardTaylor]

I must admit I am almost always alone or with my wife when shooting them.
The main thing is to always have your camera with you and ready to go.
Even at home (suburban Sydney) I have a camera with a long lens handy, especially if the Lilli Pilli trees have berries on them or the Liquid Ambers have seed pods, at the end of autumn.

[dlambert]

If the highlights aren't completely blown, you might be able to tone them down a bit w/ a burn tool in post-processing. Nice feather detail on the photo.