Finally...

[Rob Douglas]

I really like #3. The composition is nice and the subjects aren't dead center (I believe Tony was referring to your lack of the rule of thirds) This shot presented alone and titled with a play on word about getting your ducks in a row would work well. Great work Bobo. Just out of curiosity are you not liking the 400mm? That is a beauty of a lens which I hope to acquire in the near future.

[Bobobird]

Thanks John - the scene looked like a painting so not much that I did could improve on that.

Thanks Rob. No don't get me wrong, the 400/5.6 is a great lens - except in my hands.

The 300/f4 was better for me due to the IS but I already have one almost 300 and the 70-300L and do not want to be stuck at 300. So option was 400/5.6 or longer. But longer cannot be carried around on a sling. So am back to square one.

[Rob Douglas]

Thanks Rob. No don't get me wrong, the 400/5.6 is a great lens - except in my hands.

LOL practice makes perfect and I know if I had that lens my wife would hardly ever see me =O

As for not being stuck at 300 have you thought about a 1.4 extender? On the f/4 it might be difficult to get enough light but with a f/2.8L Oh my!

[Bobobird]

I have a Kenko 1.4 for the 70-300 but found that TCs work better with primes then zooms so do not use it anymore. A tighter crop usually works.

The 300/2.8 is more portable but considerably heavier too. Have not totally banished the 400/5.6 and as you said, practice is the key. Most of the bird people around here use this brace.
http://joenoordman.smugmug.com/Photo...543178&k=RgPPM

This guy, for instance, does it hand-held and no brace.
https://secure.flickr.com/photos/gordo-the-fly/

[Daisy Mae]

I totally adore no. 2.

The formation and comedic value of the shot is priceless.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Daisy.

[TonyCooper]

[QUOTE=Bobobird;175296]Thanks Tony. Not sure what you mean. Is there some place with examples?

I was referring to the images in the post as it originally appeared. The top
image has the horizon centered horizontally. The third image has the major
subjects centered vertically. The fourth image has a centerline that is
centered horizontally. The last image has the subject centered vertically.

I was not referring to the "rule of thirds" as some have said. It's
just that offset images can be more pleasing than centered ones. What
I noticed is strong demarcation between halves of your images. In your
new inclusion of the diagonal row of ducks, the diagonal creates that
same demarcation.

You asked for comments, and I responded.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Tony, I appreciate the candid comments.

Something to think about though I do pay a lot of attention to presentation.

Tons of good shots go unprocessed as there is no way to present the subject properly.

[jprzybyla]

Hi Bobo,

3 and 5 I like the best. Interesting shots, post processing and composition. Not sure what you mean " Finally fixed enough to go out shooting but taking it easy", whatever it was I wish you the best.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Joe.

Have been sick since mid October with a pesky flu/cold that refused to go away. And then suddenly last week it disappeared all by itself.

[Bobobird]

A couple more...

2.1


2.2


2.3


2.4

[Skyline]

From the original set. 1st and 5th one for me please Great stuff

[Bobobird]

Thanks Dave.

[jamn4ex]

rules????
Great work Bobo.

[Bobobird]

Thanks James.

Rules ???

[jamn4ex]

Oh the rules part , I weas just thinking I need a copy of the rule book cause I have just been wingin it lol

[jamn4ex]

By the way Bobo I have looked this post over a couple times and I think my favorite image is the 3rd one with the ducks walking towards the lens. I love that perspective and I am going to try and use it myself.

[Bobobird]

Great hope you get tons of great pics.

Btw you will have to get really low. The lake is about 2-3 feet below the embankment so I sat on that and then leaned forward somewhat (did'nt want to fall into the ice). Wished to have gone down even lower for a parallel shot but that was not to be.