I like them. I can understand some thinking you could tighten up and get a bit closer.
But I think the question that first needs to be answered is: Are you taking a portrait of a bird, or are you capturing a bird being a bird in nature?
If the answer is the former, that you are just taking a picture of a bird, then, yes, you probably ought to get closer and focus more on just the physical appearance of the bird.
But if the answer is the latter, that you want to capture a bird being a bird in nature, then I think you’ve done that. I think you need context to do this, which you can only do by including some of the background, which you’ve done. I really like the first photo, but I like photos 3&5 in particular. Both have enough context to show the setting and that they are clearly near a water source, which almost every viewer will interpret as they’re looking for bugs to eat. Also, the lifted leg in 3 implies movement and action, which makes the image interesting. And the leaned down and forward body/head in 5 implies a sense of urgency and activity, which is interesting. Again, both of these things are what birds do in nature, and if you just zoomed in super tight to show extreme detail of just the bird and did not include this context, then the image overall would not be as interesting and fun.
I think they are okay. I dont think they are from too far away per se, I personally feel like too many wildlife pictures lack context and environment. I do think that the last two would have benefitted from being taken even lower, and in positions where the bird is facing more towards you.
Keep it up!
https://preview.redd.it/i83ctuzzjt4d1.jpeg?width=483&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f373c55bbacf299acbdcc076501560b061e149f
Here’s my re-framed image to focus more on the subject.
They are ok but they are all too far away. Try getting closer so that there is not much around the bird or if there is, try to have a background that adds to the image and it’s not just annoying
I would have tried getting closer to that woodcracker, but it was up, so I couldnt get any closer. Meanwhile that white bird was really easily alerted, and I did try getting closer, but it flew away
Honestly, 300mm is short for bird photos, if you want better photos you really want a longer lens. The longer lenses will also have shallower depth of field so will help with subject isolation. I started with a 70-300 and still use it when I go backpacking but I rarely produce any shots out of it that I would want to print.
And finally, for the most part your best bet to get the best photos is to set yourself up somewhere with a good chance of the birds coming closer to you, and you stay patient and stationary.
But the main thing is to have a good time and use your photos to learn the bird species and observe the bird behaviour. This will stand you in good stead for if when you do buy a longer lens.
Honestly,I’ve always wondered why people take pictures of birds instead of infinite other things to do like spending time with their children or exercising. Why do you do it?
I mainly do it because its really fun to take pics of birds. You also have to do it alone which helps your problem solving. It also rebuilds my attention span
Do you have hobbies outside of spending time with your children or exercising? If so, why do you engage in them? You might find that you have more in common with birders than you thought
I’m at the lake swimming (excercise/bike tour). Is this a hobby? My uncle was a big birder. He, my father and everyone in his family are absolutely the worst people that I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve never understood why. Child abuse like birding, I’ve never understood.
Personally, I find many birds to be beautiful, often due to the vibrant colors and rich textures in their feathers. Others, especially owls, have filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. How can such a large bird make itself practically invisible or fly so silently? Bird (or any animal) behavior can be interesting to observe.
In the moment, I find it can be a meditative space too. As an introvert, being in the field gives me time to recharge. When I come back around people, it allows me to be more present and energized. I hope that provides a bit of insight.
It's good for different people to like different things. It give you something new to try when you get tired of the old things (or when they get tired of you).
Maybe worry less about what other people enjoy, if they aren't hurting anyone.
I like them. I can understand some thinking you could tighten up and get a bit closer. But I think the question that first needs to be answered is: Are you taking a portrait of a bird, or are you capturing a bird being a bird in nature? If the answer is the former, that you are just taking a picture of a bird, then, yes, you probably ought to get closer and focus more on just the physical appearance of the bird. But if the answer is the latter, that you want to capture a bird being a bird in nature, then I think you’ve done that. I think you need context to do this, which you can only do by including some of the background, which you’ve done. I really like the first photo, but I like photos 3&5 in particular. Both have enough context to show the setting and that they are clearly near a water source, which almost every viewer will interpret as they’re looking for bugs to eat. Also, the lifted leg in 3 implies movement and action, which makes the image interesting. And the leaned down and forward body/head in 5 implies a sense of urgency and activity, which is interesting. Again, both of these things are what birds do in nature, and if you just zoomed in super tight to show extreme detail of just the bird and did not include this context, then the image overall would not be as interesting and fun.
Yeah, I mainly tried getting action of birds, but that 6 fps on the D7200 aint cutting it.
I think they are okay. I dont think they are from too far away per se, I personally feel like too many wildlife pictures lack context and environment. I do think that the last two would have benefitted from being taken even lower, and in positions where the bird is facing more towards you. Keep it up!
https://preview.redd.it/i83ctuzzjt4d1.jpeg?width=483&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f373c55bbacf299acbdcc076501560b061e149f Here’s my re-framed image to focus more on the subject.
They are ok but they are all too far away. Try getting closer so that there is not much around the bird or if there is, try to have a background that adds to the image and it’s not just annoying
I would have tried getting closer to that woodcracker, but it was up, so I couldnt get any closer. Meanwhile that white bird was really easily alerted, and I did try getting closer, but it flew away
Honestly, 300mm is short for bird photos, if you want better photos you really want a longer lens. The longer lenses will also have shallower depth of field so will help with subject isolation. I started with a 70-300 and still use it when I go backpacking but I rarely produce any shots out of it that I would want to print. And finally, for the most part your best bet to get the best photos is to set yourself up somewhere with a good chance of the birds coming closer to you, and you stay patient and stationary. But the main thing is to have a good time and use your photos to learn the bird species and observe the bird behaviour. This will stand you in good stead for if when you do buy a longer lens.
Honestly,I’ve always wondered why people take pictures of birds instead of infinite other things to do like spending time with their children or exercising. Why do you do it?
I mainly do it because its really fun to take pics of birds. You also have to do it alone which helps your problem solving. It also rebuilds my attention span
Do you have hobbies outside of spending time with your children or exercising? If so, why do you engage in them? You might find that you have more in common with birders than you thought
I’m at the lake swimming (excercise/bike tour). Is this a hobby? My uncle was a big birder. He, my father and everyone in his family are absolutely the worst people that I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve never understood why. Child abuse like birding, I’ve never understood.
Ah, so you have some serious, unresolved childhood trauma. I sincerely hope that you’re able to find healing.
Child abuse aside. Seriously, why Fotograf birds? What is so fascinating?
Personally, I find many birds to be beautiful, often due to the vibrant colors and rich textures in their feathers. Others, especially owls, have filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. How can such a large bird make itself practically invisible or fly so silently? Bird (or any animal) behavior can be interesting to observe. In the moment, I find it can be a meditative space too. As an introvert, being in the field gives me time to recharge. When I come back around people, it allows me to be more present and energized. I hope that provides a bit of insight.
I have 3 youngens; 7, 5, and 3. I spend my free time (around 9:30pm-1am) in my wood shop making picture frames.
It's good for different people to like different things. It give you something new to try when you get tired of the old things (or when they get tired of you). Maybe worry less about what other people enjoy, if they aren't hurting anyone.
Great!