I broke my own Rule !

[Vinam]

When I am out shooting nature, I am mostly shooting in Manual, the fact is I'm more comfortable controlling the settings then leaving it up to the camera. But I also set TV setting with the camera controlling the aperture , usually on a very fast shutter speed to catch action. And I set AV which has the camera controlling shutter speed with a medium setting aperture to take brighter still subject.just in case I don't have time to switch manual.

I don't often us these semi-auto settings, but have the camera ready if I spot something good to shoot and have my manual setting the opposite of what I need ( so I can change quickly)

I was shooting some swans the other day, this shot is slow moving and not very bright, so I had manual on F4.5 and shutter on 1/100 which isn't very slow but the swan was swimming .



I hear a HONK and turn around and see a large male stretching his wings , switched to TV and realized it wasn't going to work because I never preset the camera to shoot fast and bright !!! .. so back to Manual and a quick click to raise shutter speed and pulled the lense back from 200m to 70m and shot this,



I hold myself to a very high standard when it comes to Swans and Blurry wingtips is not acceptable... but I thought it might be interesting to some members on how I set up for a walk along the river or the woods and trying to be ready for whatever comes my way. I try to always think ahead and this time..... well I don't even have to say it

hope you found it helpful and a little funny, thanks for taking a look,

Vin

[Ella1267]

These are excellent shots. I think the blur on wingtips shows that the bird was actually moving....great job.

[PhotoRebel4]

Awesome shot! I like the blurred wing tips. Like Ella said, it shows the bird's movements.

[fstopMike]

But Vin, can I like it anyway? I kinda like the motion on the wings. by the way, I love your first shot.

[Sheriliz]

As always very nice work. The first is really wonderful. I enjoyed reading how you think ahead.

[Hayward Taylor]

Hello Vin - these are stunning images ... like both of them ... very well photographed

[SoxAddict]

I like the blurry wingtips though Vin - often I love to see the motion in a shot as it's more of a natural pose I guess. Love your shots here, they're wonderful!

[SusanH1970]

Vin, your swan photos always stun me. The first one has amazing contrast and reflection, and the pose you caught in the second is just gorgeous! Beautifully done, no matter how you got there.

Although, I'm addicted to manual, too.

[shmelly]

Just shows you're human Vin. I must have taken hundreds of photos of the ducks stretching their wings and always end up with a bit of blurr, if I ever get it right you will hear me scream from here. Apart from that they are both beautiful photos, especially the first.

[equilution]

All in all..good shots, Vin. I like the majesty of the first one. Been out for a while, but good to be back!! TFS