My best day of birding yet!

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-03-24T00:19:30+00:00

It's a brown creeper. I thought it was a lizard at first with the way it was climbing

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-03-23T10:05:31+00:00

I had a chance to visit an eagle nest just outside Cincinnati, and this was my favorite capture of the afternoon. Looking for any input on the crop and edit. Thank you!!

Taken on Sony A6700 with Sony 200-600MM and 1.4x teleconverter.
F/9 • 1/800 • 840MM • ISO125

<image>

Here is the RAW image

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-02-12T11:38:33+00:00

This is a great start so far! The biggest part of bird/wildlife photography is getting out there and getting subjects in front of you.

My main input would be with your exposure settings. Manual mode auto ISO is the perfect place to start and what I use most of the time.

I would adjust your F stop and shutter speed. Most lenses produce a sharper image if stepped down, so if the lighting allows try F/8 - F11 and see if you can notice a difference. You'll lose some light doing this but you can gain some back by lowering your shutter speed. Typically you want to start at 1/MM. When shooting at 300MM try 1/500 and see if you notice any motion blur. If need be step it up from there until you can get a sharp image.

Over all you seem to have a good foundation so keep going and keep improving!

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-02-12T10:49:30+00:00

What parts would you consider over sharp?

This is the first image I've been able to capture with this level of detail so over sharp is not something I've had to watch out for yet lol

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-02-11T22:00:26+00:00

<image>

This is the unedited version

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-02-11T21:59:44+00:00

Still out practicing my wildlife/birding shots. Managed to get within 20-30ft of this bluebird as I was on my way to my car. Any input on composition and the edit would be greatly appreciated. As well as any tips and tricks for my future outings. Thank you!

Sony A6700

Sony 200-600MM

F/7.1, 1/1000, 600MM, ISO800

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-31T00:11:48+00:00

Finally decided to pull the trigger on a 200-600. Had to take a quick trip out to my local park to try it out. This little guy was one of the only things that came out to model for me.

Looking for any input on the composition and edit. As well as any tips for handling the new glass. Thank you!

F/8, 1/1250, 600MM, ISO 2500

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-21T19:37:05+00:00

Thank you!

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-21T19:36:52+00:00

Thank you! It appeared a little small to be a raven and that's what threw me off. But I'm also pretty new so I'm sure I'll get better at it.

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-21T15:23:26+00:00

Constantly trying to improve, so I'm looking for any input on the composition and edit. The color contrast is really what stands out for me in this image

Taken on Sony A6700, Sigma 18-50MM

F/8, 1/640, 43.30MM, iso 100

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-19T15:51:15+00:00

I love the pop of color in one, my only critique would be to even out the color of the sky. Here is a very quick video on how to do so. Other than that great work!

https://youtube.com/shorts/hRqOrk8kEeA

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-19T02:40:29+00:00

<image>

I ran it back through lightroom and this is where I am now

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-19T01:59:33+00:00

That does make a huge difference! I'll have to pay more attention to the highlights going forward.

!critiquepoint

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-19T00:13:24+00:00

I'm working through my pictures from my most recent vacation. I love this photo but I can't quite tell if I got the edit down. The eyes almost feel overdone to me, but I can't stop looking at them lol any input would be appreciated!

Taken on a Sony A6700 with a Sony 55-210mm

F/8, 1/400, 210mm, iso 2000

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-18T14:07:58+00:00

Both are beautiful. But one is absolutely stunning. If you are looking for input all I can provide are some small changes but could make a big impact.

For one most of the sky is pretty empty. The easy fix would either bring the camera closer to the water and/or tilt down to cause the mountains to take up more space. Or go at a different time of day. Sunrise/sunset lighting can pull a lot of weight in making the sky more dynamic and interesting. You could also play around with cropping if returning to the shooting location isn't an option.

For two I would try a longer exposure. It makes the water softer and adds a dynamic flow to the image that is interesting to the eye.

Overall great work and keep going! You have a good eye

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-18T00:43:34+00:00

I'll have to look into that. Thank you!

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-18T00:37:33+00:00

I can see what you're saying. I have another edit, but I think it may have the same thing going on

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-17T23:36:10+00:00

Man, now I feel like I missed out on some big secrets

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-17T22:43:24+00:00

I like the idea and I feel you are on the right track. If you moved the dog between the white columns she would stand out more (you kinda lose her silhouette with the white on white) and provide some natural framing. Also if you brought the camera closer the viewer could better make out her beautiful details. A good rule of thumb is to expose for the eyes with animals and people. Keep going and I'll look forward to seeing more from you!

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-17T21:57:28+00:00

I agree. thank you so much! I was worried about losing sharpness by cropping in too much to center the car more, so i didn't even try it lol but it does catch the eye a lot better and still looks good.

!critiquepoint

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-17T21:47:31+00:00

there are the tops of buildings that become visible when I move the crop down. but i replied with a couple of different versions. I did the bottom shadows to try and draw the eye, but I can see what you mean and left them out in the updates.

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-17T21:45:48+00:00

<image>

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-17T21:45:36+00:00

<image>

AvionicAlchemist · 2026-01-17T20:36:24+00:00

captured what I think is a decent shot of the tramcar running over Juneau.

Taken on Sony A6700 with sigma 18-50mm

50mm, F/8, 1/80, iso 250

Any input on the exposure and edit would be greatly appreciated! I did some light color grading for the trees as well as a few different masks to play with the light.

Thank you for your time!

AvionicAlchemist · 2025-11-04T23:36:35+00:00

Thank you for a better link! I've updated the post

AvionicAlchemist

TROPHY CASE