So I decided to buy myself a DSLR just over a year ago in anticipation of another trip to Kenya last summer. This trip was the first time I properly used the camera, or any DSLR for that matter, for more than a few shots in a day and whilst it was a huge learning curve I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I took maybe 1000 photos over 3 days, I then tried my hand at post processing (another huge learning curve) and ended up with maybe 20-30 which I am pleased with. My initial plan was to rent a 100-400mm lens to use on a 500D body, but I decided to buy used and then sell on my return which should work out cheaper although I decided to keep it in the end .
So here are a selection on pictures that I ended up with, I would really appreciate honest constructive criticism, pared with suggestions on how I might have shot the scene/subject and or edited it better to achieve a more professional looking image.
Some are uploaded in higher quality Here
- Really not sure if the B & W looks any better for this one (non B&W under link at the top)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
The things I had difficulties with:
The light, I suspect this is due mostly to a lack of ability on my part in combination with an 'entry level body' and a f5.6 lens, as soon as it started getting dark and I was having to go to ISO 800 and above to maintain sharp shots they had too much noise. I try reducing it in Photoshop but I lose too much sharpness before the noise is at an acceptable level.
Post processing, I am a fan of B & W and at times got carried away with it, I suppose its down to a lack of experience but I found it very hard to judge how good a picture is (and my opinions varied from viewing on a day to day basis) on the picture of the lion cubs the tone of the fur and the yellowy grass didn't do it for me so I tried reducing the saturation and increasing the vibrancy of the colors to try and create better contrast, I'm not sure if the end result 'works'. Is there a general criteria for what makes a good candidate for a B & W exposure or other Post processing directions or is it simply a matter of trial and error.
The final thing really is focus, a disappointing amount of images came back slightly out of focus, I was generally using single point (center) AF mode. Stationary animals generally came back O.K, moving subjects weren't so good I tried using AI servo (and switched I.S to panning mode) to track a cheater chasing after a Thomson's Gazelle but none were sharp enough to be used.
Sorry for a long-ish post, I realize a lot of things will (hopefully) correct themselves over time, but I am keen to learn and would appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and offer some advice, and hopefully I will get some better shots this summer coming.
Alan
So here are a selection on pictures that I ended up with, I would really appreciate honest constructive criticism, pared with suggestions on how I might have shot the scene/subject and or edited it better to achieve a more professional looking image.
Some are uploaded in higher quality Here
- Really not sure if the B & W looks any better for this one (non B&W under link at the top)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
The things I had difficulties with:
The light, I suspect this is due mostly to a lack of ability on my part in combination with an 'entry level body' and a f5.6 lens, as soon as it started getting dark and I was having to go to ISO 800 and above to maintain sharp shots they had too much noise. I try reducing it in Photoshop but I lose too much sharpness before the noise is at an acceptable level.
Post processing, I am a fan of B & W and at times got carried away with it, I suppose its down to a lack of experience but I found it very hard to judge how good a picture is (and my opinions varied from viewing on a day to day basis) on the picture of the lion cubs the tone of the fur and the yellowy grass didn't do it for me so I tried reducing the saturation and increasing the vibrancy of the colors to try and create better contrast, I'm not sure if the end result 'works'. Is there a general criteria for what makes a good candidate for a B & W exposure or other Post processing directions or is it simply a matter of trial and error.
The final thing really is focus, a disappointing amount of images came back slightly out of focus, I was generally using single point (center) AF mode. Stationary animals generally came back O.K, moving subjects weren't so good I tried using AI servo (and switched I.S to panning mode) to track a cheater chasing after a Thomson's Gazelle but none were sharp enough to be used.
Sorry for a long-ish post, I realize a lot of things will (hopefully) correct themselves over time, but I am keen to learn and would appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and offer some advice, and hopefully I will get some better shots this summer coming.
Alan