Nature Photography

[RexK_Cozumel]

So this is one of my better shots of this pelican cause he was nice enough to sun himself on the end of the pier. Usually he is flying around into and out of the sun that I cant get my camera set correctly. Still trying for a silouette shot of him in the sunset but dont know exactly how to best achive that shot. Focusing is difficult.

[jiminyClickit]

RexK,

Best photo of today's posting for you. It could be cropped a little tighter, but not necessary. If pelican were really sharply focussed, it would look better bigger. Waiting for the spread wings is worth every second. Nice one.

[Nicole]

I think that it bothers me quite a bit that the shot is pretty out of focus. But, you can fix that next time The thing that I did notice was that you're using a 300mm lens, and you shot at 1/80 of a second. Usually you should shoot at 1/focus length to avoid shake. I don't know if that was possible given your lighting conditions of course. Good composition though if that's any consolation after my previous statement

Originally Posted by RexK_Cozumel

Still trying for a silouette shot of him in the sunset but dont know exactly how to best achive that shot. Focusing is difficult.

I have links for you ... the links will help you get the right kind of shot, but only if the bird cooperates and sits around calmly about sunset

• Eight Strategies for photographing silhouettes
• Tips: Shooting Silhouettes
• Trick your camera into taking silhouettes

One trick is to meter for the sky, and since the sky is so much brighter than the foreground, you'll get a properly exposed sky and a silhouette in the foreground. Hope that helps, looks like you've got a really nice place to practice.