Swans at Llanfairfechan

[ben g]

Hello all, my 70-300mm VR arrived today so i've been out for a play. Appreciate any advice or comments, thanks ben
http://http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/swan6DSC_0610.jpg
http://http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/swan4DSC_0601.jpg

[ben g]

Not sure why i can't see the pics but will try again!
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/swan6DSC_0610.jpg
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/swan4DSC_0601.jpg

[Yv]

Beautiful captures, but the whites are a bit blown, especially in the second one...can you pull them back a bit to try and get some more detail in there? Tough I know, but worth trying I think.

[ben g]

I tried again but i don't think there's a big difference. Maybe I should have used more exposure compensation at the time. I will take the time to set up the tripod next time to see if that helps.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/DSC_0610revised.jpg

[Yv]

Ok, just had a very quick play in photoshop. If you use your editing program to select the swan [so magnetic lasso tool, etc, in ps] and feather it slightly, you have managed to hang on to enough detail that if you lower [darken] the levels, without affecting the water, you can get some detail back into the feathers. This will be easier on your full size original as you have more flexibility for the feather so it blends better. Give it a go, I think its worth it. ;) Photography bright white against anything dark is always a pain in the proverbials. #1 isnt so bad, but I would definately have a go with #2.

[h.r.ford]

Shooting a white bird against a dark background is metering hell. If you have spot metering it makes life easier but if you're using a 350d you kinda just have to wing it.... (pun not intended)

[ben g]

Had a play with number 2 again
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/swan4DSC_0601revised.jpg
I've got a D40 so will try the spot meter next time. Thanks for the advice all, ben
:)

[sawman]

No 1. Is that part of a hook & some fishing line coming from the beak?