wounded hawk

[bearcat]

I'm kinda new too this so bear with me. I Only had a short time to take this photo at night. My Question is how can I pre-set my camera for a wider depth of field in auto mode or should I use apature mode?



File Info 1
File: DSC_5078.JPG
Date Created: 1/4/2010 6:34:16 PM
Date Modified: 1/4/2010 6:47:20 PM
File Size: 2.95 MB
Image Size: L (3872 x 2592)
File Info 2
Date Shot: 1/4/2010 18:47:19.70
World Time:
Image Quality: Jpeg Fine (8-bit)
Artist:
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Image Comment:
Camera Info
Device: Nikon D40X
Lens: 55-200mm F/4-5.6G
Focal Length: 200mm
Focus Mode: AF-A
AF-Area Mode: Closest Subject
VR:
AF Fine Tune:
Exposure
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/60s
Scene Mode: Auto
Exposure Comp.: 0EV
Exposure Tuning:
Metering: Matrix
ISO Sensitivity: Auto (ISO 200)
Flash
Flash Sync Mode: Front Curtain
Flash Mode: Built-in, i-TTL-BL
Flash Exposure Comp.: 0EV
Colored Gel Filter:
Image Settings
White Balance: Auto, 0
Color Space: sRGB
High ISO NR: OFF
Long Exposure NR: OFF
Active D-Lighting:
Image Authentication:
Vignette Control:
Auto Distortion Control:
Optimize Image
Optimize Image:
Color Mode: Mode IIIa (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: Auto
Hue Adjustment: 0°
Saturation: Auto
Sharpening: Auto
GPS
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Altitude:
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Heading:
UTC:
Map Datum:

[dblightsey]

you could use your apeture mode or what I do is preset my camera in Manual mode for night shooting if I know that what I am going to be doing ahead of time. Check your settings next time when you get it where you like it, write that down, then next time you know where you need to start and you can adjust as you shoot.

[alphasco]

Well, I don't think depth of field is a great problem with this photo and the exposure is about right (maybe lighten it up a bit with post processing). I think the image would be better if you had gotten down low to the ground, i.e., lay down in the snow and shoot more on the hawk's level. The short depth of field you have would fuzz out most of the background that might be visible in the recommended low level shot.

[bearcat]

Thanks for the info. Sometimes being new to this, it just takes more practice and trying to think of all of the elements in such a short time. Thanks again for the tips

[Joe Dsilva]

I think it's good that the eyes are in focus, you might also want to try shooting vertical in scenarios like this, as it brings more strength to the subject in portrait (of course general rule and as always subject to exemptions )