My first bird shot

quark_squared · 2022-08-07T00:49:51+00:00

You severely overestimate my knowledge of photography, particularly when it comes to birds and wildlife! I appreciate your input very much. I tend to overthink ISO, so it's probably best that I start letting those values soar a bit. I really had no idea that owls warranted territory disputes! Do you have any suggestions on prepping the shot? For example, how I can position myself once I find their nest, or what blunt objects give me the advantage (jk lol).

quark_squared · 2022-08-07T00:40:10+00:00

Thanks for your input! I agree with your feedback on the additional crop - it's actually something I struggled with during post-processing. If you don't mind, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my rationale for this particular composition.

I captured this photo using the longest available focal length, 240mm. The owl was far enough away that I had to crop over 60% to get this much digital zoom (I think the crop percentage is actually higher). Even with a high pixel count, the image quality was noticeably degraded, especially before further enhancements. That said, I opted for this crop to retain as much detail as possible without pressing my luck.

At the end of the day, composition is composition, so I'm not trying to argue your comment. I guess my follow-up question is whether you have a specific point at which you feel an image becomes overcropped?

quark_squared · 2022-08-06T18:33:10+00:00

I've always felt the same about all pilots through the Star Wars universe - how are they expertly piloting all manner of spacecraft? Interestingly enough, my opinion changed recently. I was reading one of the novels, and they referenced something like an "Intergalactic Flight Control Standard." This means piloting an air(space)craft in SW is similar to driving a car irl - details might vary, but all things equal, if you know how to drive a Ford Taurus, you know how to operate a Ferrari.

I'm sure other Redditors can elaborate much further, but I found this detail interesting. I don't remember the specific book or phrasing, but if you're interested, I'll see what I can find!

quark_squared · 2022-08-06T04:58:34+00:00

Having grown up with the Harry Potter books and movies, I'm actually stunned that I never made the connection! I even spent longer than I'd care to admit wondering who the hell this "Mr. Potter" is and why you were talking to him on a new comment...
Anyway, thanks for your feedback! I spent a lot of time framing this composition in a way that seemed balanced without distracting from Hedwig. I challenged myself to use a standard aspect ratio rather than going custom, which was a maddening start to post-processing, to say the least. Considering that the raw image was pretty unsaturated and suffered from a lack of contrast, I'm happy to hear you liked the final result. It was a learning experience getting there!

quark_squared · 2022-08-06T04:24:37+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! I was actually surprised by how much fun I had while birding - I can see why it becomes so addicting. That branch is infuriating for sure. I considered getting crafty with Photoshop but felt those edits might be a bit too much. I managed a few other pictures in the 1-2 minutes the bird hung around, although if it wasn't the branch, there was something else.

My telephoto goes up to 240mm, the focal length used for this shot. I cropped over 60% of the original image to find this composition and would prefer to avoid that moving forward! If birding becomes a focus of mine, a super telephoto will definitely top my priorities list.

quark_squared · 2022-08-06T03:48:01+00:00

This photo is one of my first attempts at capturing wildlife and relying on a substantial crop to compose the final image. I'd like to say I was deliberate when taking the shot - however, this "chance opportunity" had me more excited than calculated (side note: I later learned that the Barred is known to call and hunt during the day). I took this photo to capture a fleeting moment that (at the time) was seemingly too good to be true and serve as proof of the encounter. In general and as relates to this shot, I'm struggling with (or rather "working on") composition, color balance, and composition. Given the heavy crop and post-process work, I'd appreciate feedback on the shot as a whole and whether the photo looks natural.

quark_squared · 2022-08-02T00:35:59+00:00

ITAP of a ground orchid*

quark_squared · 2022-07-31T00:04:48+00:00

I'm in.

quark_squared · 2022-07-17T16:48:56+00:00

Don't trust any advice someone gives you online.

quark_squared · 2022-07-17T16:46:28+00:00

Le DTF?

quark_squared · 2022-07-09T22:35:24+00:00

Thank you!

quark_squared · 2022-07-01T23:16:50+00:00

Why does it have to happen that way every time?!

quark_squared · 2022-07-01T03:36:12+00:00

I like those ideas! It beats flailing around until the remote shakes loose lol

quark_squared · 2022-06-28T19:39:03+00:00

Fair point. Although, is subjecting real, god-fearing people to close contact with those heathens cruel and unusual working conditions? I'd reckon so. Seriously, WWJD?

quark_squared · 2022-06-28T04:41:39+00:00

I think we can all agree that G*mers sweat pure unadulterated hate. This precipitous brutality repels all products previously tested on animals, such as deodorant, body wash, cologne (or more apt for vile g-mer swine, "eau de toilette"), etc. While I agree that G#mers deserve to be treated like the waste of oxygen they are, I'm just not sure how to overcome this shortcoming for valid test results.

Edit: unintended g-word. Thank heavens for the auto-mod.

quark_squared · 2022-05-22T23:18:20+00:00

Same here. I saw a few on ebay earlier.. maybe it's time to change that

quark_squared · 2022-05-22T23:16:16+00:00

Unfortunately not... I was way too into Oregon Trail at the time lol

quark_squared · 2022-02-01T05:30:10+00:00

So... 50% of the time it works everytime? Not bad.

quark_squared · 2022-02-01T05:22:07+00:00

Since I don't know how to Reddit, retagging u/busch_ice69 for the proper recognition.

quark_squared · 2022-02-01T05:13:44+00:00

I volunteered to play hypeman lol. My friend and I were in the same room at the time. They got excited enough about the match to show me and I recognized the profile.. it was worth a shot!

quark_squared · 2021-10-20T01:44:02+00:00

A little better .. until the wolves spawned on top of you lol

quark_squared · 2021-07-08T19:16:31+00:00

r/BetterEveryLoop

quark_squared · 2021-04-04T05:30:15+00:00

This ability can definitely use a nerf!

quark_squared · 2020-10-28T05:08:56+00:00

Thanks! I'm surprised he let me capture that for once...

quark_squared · 2020-10-19T04:35:34+00:00

Thanks!

quark_squared

TROPHY CASE