First day out with the Rebel T2i

[Bob Williams]

I couldn’t stand waiting to use my new camera any longer so despite very crummy looking weather I headed over to Brazos Bend State Park to see what I could do. There is only so much manual reading that one can do before going completely nuts!!! My time was very limited but I was quite excited to find a very tame crane at the park.

I used the following settings to get the photo.
ISO = 400
Focal length = 300mm
Aperture = f/7.1

I have pretty thick skin so please let me know what you really think about this image. I am a beginner and I know I have a lot to learn.

Bob

[jeffkohn]

Well, sometimes what a lot of folks would consider crummy weather is exactly what you want for photography. Soft, overcast light such as in your shot is great for this type of photography (as long as you can keep the sky out of the image). The reduced contrast range means you don't have to worry about blocked up shadows and blown highlights, and colors can be more saturated.

You've done a nice job with the background (and I've shot out there just enough to know how difficult that can be). I also like that the bird is looking back towards the camera.

Lots of branches can sometimes lead to a busy-looking photograph, but here the branches kind of frame the subject, so I don't think it's a problem. Those two branches sticking up from the lower left are maybe a little distracting, and could be candidates for removal if you don't find such edits objectionable.

[jeffclow]

If you are truly a beginner, you have not left yourself much room for improvement.....because this is a terrific shot compositionally and with good detail.

I think you've got this thing called photography down pretty well.

[Shadow]

Lookin' good! Green Heron, btw.
The wide aperture isolates the subject from what looks to be a busy background.

[wwong]

Like Shadow (Bruce) said, open wide your aperture. With that you can lower your ISO too, thus minimize noise.

The GH looks VERY sharp and detailed. Good job.

[houtex01]

Very nice start with your new camera Bob...very nice shot...btw welcome to the forum...looking forward to more postings...

Ron

[slickshooter]

You don't need thick skin for this shot Bob
I think you did very well.Good job on this Green Heron.

[Bayskiff]

I agree with Dennis, Wonderful shot!!! What lens is that?

[Patti Edens]

Great shot! I can't think of anything to offer for improvement in the technical sense - exposure is spot on, DOF (depth of field) as has been mentioned is perfect since you have all of the bird nice and sharp and the background is nicely blurred so as not to distract, color looks great and not oversaturated, contrast looks good.

The only thing I can think of that is a very small nit is that the subject might look better if a little less centered, but seriously that is just me trying really hard to find something to offer.

Can't wait to see more of your work!

[TheFantasticG]

Looking good Bob.

[jfoureyes]

Super job on the one!! This would be a keeper for me anytime...go out and get some more!!!

[preames]

Really nice shot. The only thing I might suggest is perhaps a vertical crop might work well with this pose.

[rockpics]

Like others have said, looks great!

[donlfaulkner]

Good shot.

[Bob Williams]

Thanks everyone. I do believe that every photo can be improved but I am glad to read that this one went over well.

Thanks Patti for suggesting a different composition. I will have to play with that some. As you mention the bird is quite centered!

I am very grateful that so many of you took the time to reply.

Bob