this little fella did not like to be photographed, and when hunting the bird, trying to manually focus it (because AF was impossible because of the branches) I forgot my shutterspeed was way to high for the light I had. So the auto-iso went up to a gazzilion ...
I figured that I liked the image anyway, but decided to make it B&W.
shy bird
Lol! You expressed the frustrations of photographing wild creatures! A lot of times I just end up saying "never mind" then regret I didn't try. I like the photo too.
Thanks !
"....auto-iso went up to a gazzilion"
It sure doesn't take long to discover your lens is set to Auto Focus in such a setting! I need to learn how to skip over Auto ISO when I am rushed for the same reason.
Perhaps if I learned Fv mode I wouldn't be as rushed.
I like it.
Thanks !
My camera is always in M, but on Auto ISO -- that's the cheat code ;-)
I just need to learn exposure compensation, because sometimes the camera persistently overexposes ...
Edit: Concering AF, most of my lenses have Full Time Manual, so the setting really doesn't matter all that much.
re: " because sometimes the camera persistently overexposes ..."
Take a test shot and check the histogram. As long as white and black points are not exceeded the exposure compensation can be done in processing.
Otherwise take a test shot and adjust compensation before you are ready to take that killer shot.
I have the most problems with exposure when light conditions are constantly changing. Clouds passing by the sun etc.
Bird photography is indeed difficult as the fellas rarely want to sit and pose. I think if you keep trying then camera settings will become second nature.
FWIW I would shoot aperture priority (to get max speed, minimal DOF) and manual focus. Autofocus is definitely not suited to this scenario.
If you have a birdfeeder and observe the birds to get an idea of where they prefer to sit (eg on an adjacent tree branch) I think that might allow you to set your manual focus point and wait for an obliging model.
And ISO ? Auto ?