Over-exposed American Robin and More « Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Over-exposed American Robin and More

This image was created at Jones Beach State Park last week with the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens, the Canon 2x EF Extender III (Teleconverter), and the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/50 sec. at f/10 in Manual Mode.

Central sensor (by necessity) Expand/AI Servo/Rear Focus on the center of the bird’s breast active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Above you are looking at the optimized image.

Over-exposed American Robin

In the “Your Call and More” blog post here, I presented what seemed to be a badly over-exposed image of an American Robin. Most folks were confident that I would be able to salvage the image. The optimized image above shows that they were correct.

The Image Optimization

First eliminated the blinkies in DPP and then reduced the Brightness by two clicks to -.33 stops. As detailed in the DPP RAW Conversion Guide. In Photoshop a simple Curves adjustment brought the image to life. In addition, note also the elimination of several of the taller, ugly, weed-like stalks. Those repairs were done with the Patch Tool and the Clone Stamp Tool. As described in our in Digital Basics File, an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. It includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips including Digital Eye Doctor techniques, several different ways of expanding canvas, all of my time-saving Keyboard Shortcuts, and Layer Masking and NIK Color Efex Pro basics.

This 3-frame in-camera HDR Art Vivid image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens, the Canon 1.4x EF Extender III (Teleconverter), and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III . ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops yielded a base exposure of 1/125 sec. at f/8 in Av mode. 2-second timer.

Central sensor/AI Servo Surround/Rear Focus AF on the central anther and re-compose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image for a larger version.

Iris flower #2

My Favorite Iris Who Image

In the recent “Iris Who?” post here, I asked folks to let us know which was their favorite of the four images and why. Iris flower #1 was the clear favorite. #s 2 and 3 got a few votes as well. #2 was my favorite for the soft yellow color palette and the sweet, out-of-focus green background.

BIRDS AS ART Bulletin #441

BAA Bulletin #441 is online and can be accessed here. There are 8 previously unpublished images each with its own legendary BAA educational caption.

  • The Holland 2014 A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART/Tulips & A Touch of Holland IPT
  • Tulips on the Blog
  • Last 2013 Short Notice, Dirt Cheap, In-the-Field Nickerson Beach Photographic Instruction with Arthur Morris
  • Japan in Winter
  • Thanks!
  • Affiliate Links
  • Used Camera Gear
  • IPT Info

Last 2013 Short Notice, Dirt Cheap, In-the-Field Nickerson Beach Photographic Instruction with Arthur Morris

June 7 (pm), June 8 (am & pm), 8 and possibly the morning of June 9. Afternoons with west wind can be great. Morning sessions run from 5am sharp-9:30 am. Afternoon sessions from 4pm til whenever. These are priced so low that you need to e-mail for the rates. Limit 5/session.

If you e-mail, please include all phone numbers. Payment in full due immediately via credit card after calling the office on a weekday: 863-221-2372. If you would like to join me, please get in touch via e-mail. Breeding American Oystercatcher (chicks likely) and Piping Plover (chicks possible). Common Tern and Black Skimmer/courtship behaviors. Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. Lots of flight photography when the wind is right. Learn digital exposure and creative image design. Learn to create pleasing blurs at 5am. As I will be living and photographing on Great Gull Island for a week from the afternoon of May 30 until the late afternoon of June 6 and may not have internet access, do sign up and be patient. You will hear from me via e-mail early on June 7th if not the previous evening.

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2 comments to Over-exposed American Robin and More

  • Jack Goodman

    Artie, this image doesnt seem as sharp as others with the same lens. Is it soft in your opinion? If so, how would you sharpen it?

    • Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

      After clicking on the image to view the large version it looks more than sharp enough for me. There is a slight d-o-f issue with the bill as the bird is angled towards us….