Yellow Warbler

[Moira]

I guess I'm going to have to learn how to clean up backgrounds, but I'm still resisting!

[JTF]

Nice pics. I have thought about the backgrounds on my images also and have decided not to do any cloing but maybe remove the odd digital noise if necessary on the blue sky shots. My belief is leave it as natural as possible regardless of what your told, it adds to the pic.

[denis]

nice shots moira.
i try to clean mine up,somewhat.i shot these today also,but need to spend about a week processing to catch up. LOL

[ravynne40]

Great shots Moira

[Moira]

Thanks guys.  I did buy a book on Elements 8 (which I use), but I can't figure out how to remove the branch for instance or how to use the masking and layering.  I need a "hands-on" course I guess.  I like to keep it very natural as well, but sometimes I'd like to remove something minor (like this twig!)

[ravynne40]

I hear you, I always seem to manage a twig in front of a bird somehow.
I don't use elements so i can't help you there sorry

[JW Mills]

Excellent photos!
The twig in front of the bird is fine by me. If I were to nitpick the only editing I would do would be to remove the twigs behind the bird's head, easy enough to do, even in Microsoft Paint.

[Leslie]

Great shot of the bird.
I wouldn't edit--it's not a studio shot, it's a picture of a bird in the wild.  From the picture you can see the bird is in a perch sheltered by branches. even if they're not yet in leaf.  Since the branches are thin and you can see their ends, this is either a small bush or the bird is near the periphery of the tree (as opposed to close to the trunk).  It looks like catkins in the background--I'm guessing some sort of birch.

[Whittam]

Very nice shots!  Well done!

[Luv2Bird]

Simply beautiful shots Moira ... what settings did you use and what lens ?  How far away were you?

[Moira]

Simply beautiful shots Moira ... what settings did you use and what lens ?  How far away were you?

I have a Canon 50D and usually use a 400 f5.6 lens with a flight brace or tripod for stability, but it's been at Canon Repair for 5 weeks (just got back!)  A fellow photog I met at one of the local spots loaned me his 300 f4 lens for the Point Pelee trip.  I typically shoot in AV mode, f8 (safe & lazy!)  This was taken on the beach at the Point in Point Pelee.  I was probably 20-30 feet away.  I do try to challenge myself and shoot in manual sometimes   Have to do it more often!

Moira

[Luv2Bird]

I have a Canon 50D and usually use a 400 f5.6 lens with a flight brace or tripod for stability, but it's been at Canon Repair for 5 weeks (just got back!) A fellow photog I met at one of the local spots loaned me his 300 f4 lens for the Point Pelee trip. I typically shoot in AV mode, f8 (safe & lazy!) This was taken on the beach at the Point in Point Pelee. I was probably 20-30 feet away. I do try to challenge myself and shoot in manual sometimes Smile Have to do it more often!

Hi Moira -- thanks so much for the info.  It really helps to associate a picture with the settings / distance away.  We are going to Pelee next Thurs.   Sure hope there will be nice weather and lots of birds!!!  Thanks again.