Bison - a missed shot?

wildforever · May 5, 2014

I really...REALLY feel this shot could have been 100X better... and COULD have been my best shot to date. However, I can't help but feel something isn't right...

Really would like some advice, opinions on this shot, and how it could have been improved. (not with software, out in the field)

Thanks guys and girls

CdTSnap · May 5, 2014

JUST missed

but still cool

TheNevadanStig · May 5, 2014

Looks a little soft, maybe just missed focus a bit? It looks good enough to clean up a bit in post though.

BillM · May 6, 2014

What equipment were you using and what settings ?

Usul · May 6, 2014

Bisons and animals in general don't know how to pose before a photographer. One time I was only 20 meters far from a bison and couldn't make a good picture with my nikon 18-105 mm. I like this photo but the anlimal looks 3-legged and the horn blends with background.

robbins.photo · May 6, 2014

Greetings, ok bison are something that you would think are easy to shoot but in my experience there actually a tough shot.

One of the reasons for this is that the eyes and the fur around the eyes are generally pretty close in color so its hard to get a good shot of them.

On the shot you posted I would recommend that you increase the saturation a bit, maybe use an unsharp mask that will help separate him from the background a bit more.

Sent from my LG-LG730 using Tapatalk

JoeW · May 6, 2014

wildforever said:
I really...REALLY feel this shot could have been 100X better... and COULD have been my best shot to date. However, I can't help but feel something isn't right...

Really would like some advice, opinions on this shot, and how it could have been improved. (not with software, out in the field)

Thanks guys and girls

View attachment 73120

First, it's a damn good shot.

Second, speaking only from an improvement perspective...here are some thoughts:
1. Focus is a little off. I suspect that's b/c the critter is moving. So the focus is more towards his rear. For instance, I find the brush to be sharp (and distracting) while one of the horns to be just a bit soft.

2. Given the angle you're shooting from, consider cropping this shot in portrait mode. I think it will emphasize the height of the bison.

The_Traveler · May 6, 2014

Lots of stuff can make this a bit better - or at least better in my eyes.
First I would un-tilt him, then give him more space on the bottom,add all the extra space you need after untilting him, then unshake him (kind of sharpen filter), then local area contrast enhancement.

Raj_55555 · May 6, 2014

Okay, here's an awful editing job I did..I like to make things a bit over-dramatic.

baturn · May 6, 2014

I think a good deal of the right side is unnecessary. An 8X10 crop with most coming off the right and Lew's suggestion would do it. IMO.

wildforever · May 6, 2014

First of all.

Thanks everyone for your kind words, and for all the help and guidance with this shot.

I know how difficult bison can be...i love shooting them, but am still looking to get "the shot"...the one i may actually hang up...

If it helps this photo was taken in the following specs:

iso 3200
300mm
F 5.6
1/8000

Here are 2 other shots from yesterday. Its really frustrating as they don't seem to be in focus...and i am not sure why. I haven't had problem before with focus (using AF) but recently my images are not coming out sharp and in focus. Wonder if its a mechanical issue?

The_Traveler · May 6, 2014

Lots of things could be happening and there are certain things that are surely affecting these shot.

It looks like it was an overcast day, less shadow thus less apparent detail.
You are at the widest aperture of a low cost lens without great resolving power.

Image quality from the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Lens is also mediocre.
The 75-300 III is soft wide open at all focal lengths. Sharpness decreases as it zooms from 70mm to 300mm. However, the corners are softest at 70 and getting better by 300.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Lens Review

wildforever · May 6, 2014

Thank you for the insight there!

I know my equipment isn't that great. Im currently saving for my first "great" lens. looking at either the canon 400mm or the tamron 150-600 or the sigma 150-500. I'm stuck on those 3.

I apprciate the info, and you were right on the money!! the weather was TERRIBLE it was bleak...dark clouds as far as the eye could see.

Im excited for this weekend. Im going out to try to photo the bison again, but this time I am renting the Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM from my local store for only $40 for the day!

Hopefully a much better lens such as this, will help, along with hopefully some good weather

TheNevadanStig · May 6, 2014

Well those camera settings are pretty screwy in all honesty. There is no rhyme or reason to be shooting at 1/8000, or is that a typo? I think my camera is only even capable of half that. I know from experience 1/1600 is enough to freeze the props on a plane or helicopter, and there's no reason to be shooting that fast for a slow meandering bison.
You'd be better off drastically reducing your shutter speed. Start at about 1/500 and work from there. That will allow you to drop that iso and decrease the aperture. Try having aperture around f/8 and iso below 400 if you can.
The focus issue can have a lot of different reasons. First, there is not a lot of contrast on the bison itself. Second, what are you doing with the settings for the autofocus system? Continuos or lock? Single point or dynamic?

BillM · May 6, 2014

You don't need a shutter anywhere near 1/8000 to freeze an animal that size. Even 1/800 is more than fast enough. Dropping that will allow you to drop the ISO to get a much cleaner picture.

And if you tell people what body you are using they will be able to offer better answer your original question. How to take a better shot, not how to improve the results after the fact.