Learning my limitations

[Richard G]

A few observations on my first 6 months or so of DSLR photography. I bought a Canon 450D & Tokina 80-400mm lens as a treat to myself for my 40th birthday at the end of last year, mainly because this was the kit I could afford with the budget I had at the time.

I'm still getting used to the kit, I'm happy with it, and I have had some pleasing results (have a look a the small selection I've put on my Flickr page), but I've come to realise that there are certain limitations to what I can do with the camera & lens. There are better lenses out there, but at the moment they are just out of my budget.

I don't think I'll ever take top quality photos (to professional standard) with what I have, and I need to realise this, and not be disappointed in the results. I'm also realising that trying to take photos of small, fast moving birds will often result in a lot of poor shots. For now I think I'm going to stick to larger species which are a lot more foregiving, and I need to get out more & practice, practice, practice & then do more practice!!

Anyway, enough of the ramblings. Just wanted to get my thoughts out there!!

Richard

[mike from ebbw]

Dont get disheartened by your early results Richard,and dont think you have to have top quality gear to take decent shots.A lot of people make that mistake and then find they have spent money they didnt need to.Bird photography is one of the hardest forms of photography and it can be really frustrating too.There is a lot that goes into a good image such as composition,sharpness,correct exposure etc and I find the post processing plays a very big part.I have seen superb shots ruined by bad processing so it is all a steep learning curve.Fieldcraft also plays a part and if you could see me out with the camera I look like an SAS reject dressed in camo from head to toe but it gets me close enough to the birds (feathered kind.The others wouldnt come anywhere near LOL!)I have had a look at your shots and they aint bad for someone starting out.Just hang in there and keep practicing both with the camera and your post processing.

[Richard G]

Cheers for the comments Mike. Good to know I'm on the right lines!!

Now, post processing, that's a whole new learning curve I'm not quite working my way up yet ;)

Richard

[AC/DC]

Richard, you're doing well; just keep practising as you mention. It probably wouldn't hurt to stop your lens down a little (choose a slower aperture/smaller f number - f/8 is good) to resolve a little more detail.

I made a series of articles on beginner stuff to pass on a little knowledge I have gained as I have [hopefully] progressed a bit. It's under the articles tab on my web link below. I'd be happy to give individual feedback on flickr if you'd like.

[Richard G]

Richard, you're doing well; just keep practising as you mention. It probably wouldn't hurt to stop your lens down a little (choose a slower aperture/smaller f number - f/8 is good) to resolve a little more detail.

I made a series of articles on beginner stuff to pass on a little knowledge I have gained as I have [hopefully] progressed a bit. It's under the articles tab on my web link below. I'd be happy to give individual feedback on flickr if you'd like.

Thanks for the comments. I'll have a look at your articles, and if you don't mind taking the time would appreciate your comments on Flickr.

RIchard