First time toes in water

[mmcp42]

Here's some I took today "down by the canal"
Feedback most welcome (I think :eek: )

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/rope2.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/swans2.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/owl2.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/hawk21.jpg

[Ewan]

Not sure about the first one. Not really my kind of subject so I'm not the guy to judge :shrug:

Second one I like - although you really should get down to eye level if at all possible when shooting animals (that sounded wierd :eek: )

Third one - I wish I could see the second eye :( That would have made a cracking shot.

Fourth - Composition wise is great, but head is blurred. Always try to focus on the eyes and when shooting big birds like this make sure the f-number is not too low. If the shutter speeds are too low don't be afraid to raise the ISO - noisy is better than blurry.

[mmcp42]

Thanks Ewan!
(memo to self - must try harder!)

[zozman]

One's a nice enough shot and probably my favourite of the four, but nothing to write home about. Sorry.

Two lacks a focal point for me. OK, but still a bit, erm, understated.

Three could have been great, but as the owl's looking away, it loses its impact. It might be half a stop underexposed too.

As Ewan points out, unfortunately 4 is out of focus. It's often an idea to leave a bit of space on the side where the animal is looking into, to improve the composition. If you use the rule of thirds you'd place the bird on the right hand third. Does that make sense?

Sorry to be a bit harsh.

[mmcp42]

zozman thanks
harsh not a problem
I need the input - so thanks for taking the time!