Newbie ALERT!

[SARtech]

Hi,

My name is Kristine and some of you may know me from the images I have posted over in the General Photo Critique forum. Well, you lucky dogs (or not), I have found this wildlife forum! I work 2 jobs so the only time I get to shoot is at my second-part time job on Sundays at a barge terminal. It's on the Desplaines/Illinois River and about 1/2 of the property is wooded. Nothing to do on Sundays but photograph wildlife and look like "Security". In addition to small birds, we have wild turkeys, coyote, deer, water fowl, and in winter my favorite... eagles! There is a courting pair that come back here every winter. I have named them Marge and George. Honestly, I can't tell them apart unless they are flying together. (She is bigger around the middle)

Up until today, I have only been a digital point and shooter with my Oly. Stylus 840. The first shot was taken of George with that camera last Sunday. I was SO excited as you can imagine to get my new Canon XSI this week.

Wouldn't you know it, it was pretty much overcast today and no George or Marge. They must have been out fishing somewhere else while I was there. I did get some shots of other things I would like to share with you pro's. All in all, I am thrilled at how they turned out. I used a Canon 70-300mm IS lens all day. (hand held) I also kept it on Tv value to make sure I had a good shutter speed.

You can help me out by critiquing, but remember this was my first session with this camera! Oh, and if anyone knows what kind of hawks these were please tell me. I also don't know what kind of duck the black and white one is.
(The fox was far away. Not good quality, but was excited none the less to capture him! The verical weird striping is the tall weeds I had to shoot through.)

Kristine

I see I can only upload 5 per post. I'll upload more in a reply...

[SARtech]

More for your viewing pleasure.

[SARtech]

That's "all".

Please give me some tips to help me for my next shoot.

Kristine

[paulnj]

You are getting some great image! I love those subadult eagle shots!

[OldClicker]

Very good shots. I think your going to really like that camera. - TF

[SARtech]

Thanks! I think I more than like this camera. hehe

I wonder if the juvenile belongs to Marge and George. Is the hawk a red tail for sure? How about the black and white guy? I tried to look it up and came up with a Common Merganser.

[Loupey]

Welcome to the forum!

I think you'll find the troupe here to be most relaxed and helpful. The more you participate and ask questions, the more you will get out of it

We look forward to seeing more of your world. Looks like you have quite a cast of characters already :thumbsup:

[SARtech]

Thanks Loupey! Yes, there is a lot of different creatures there. When I am there I keep thinking "I can't believe I'm getting paid $10 an hour to just be near all of this wildlife!"

By looking at my Juvenile eagle and hawk shots, can you see any other way I could make them look any better? I goofed around in photo deluxe with them, but that is the best I could get them to look. I am happy with them considering the bad lighting, but just want to make sure before I order a poster or large print.

Kristine

[Loupey]

By looking at my Juvenile eagle and hawk shots, can you see any other way I could make them look any better? I goofed around in photo deluxe with them, but that is the best I could get them to look. I am happy with them considering the bad lighting, but just want to make sure before I order a poster or large print.

If I may suggest - wait until the seaon is over. You may get other shots in the very near future that you may like even better. In particular, a shot during a clear (not overcast) day may offer an alternative view.

Just keep shooting

[SARtech]

hahahaha... good idea. I need to calm down. I am learning patience when I am shooting them, I just need more patience in other areas obviously.

Thanks again.

[Loupey]

Don't get me wrong - I think these images are really nice and I'm really impressed with your in-flight shots.

I think that if you can already get this kind of quality now, you will get even better ones in short order.

We are expecting great things from you soon. Very soon

[SARtech]

WOW... thank you. Coming from you that means a lot. By the way.. right now the forecast for next Sunday here is "Mostly Sunny". yea!:thumbsup: