Photo Critique

[bryanwstai]

Hey guys, beginner here.
If you guys would kindly critique my photo, I used the DX with the kit lens.
I noticed a lot of noise, but I had to turn the ISO up due to very low lighting in the forest. Any suggestions for the future?

 

[zombiesniper149 14]

Nice first image but yes it is dark and has some noise.

I noticed a lot of noise, but I had to turn the ISO up due to very low lighting

Nope, you chose to turn the ISO up. You could have also used a slower shutter speed or larger aperture. The combination of these three settings will determine your exposure. Here's a link to explaining the exposure triangle.

The other thing you may be able to do since this bird appears to have been feed by people quite often is approach from about 90 degrees camera right. There is more light coming from that direction which would have lit the bird a bit better. If it is used to being fed it will turn to face you.

 

[bryanwstai]

three settings will determine your exposure

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely read up on it!

About repositioning to the right/left of the bird, great tip, I'll make sure to use it next time!
But it wasn't possible at that time as I was actually in the passenger seat of my friends car and the bird magically perched on the side view mirror, so I scrambled to take the shot and it flew off about a minute later so I didn't have much time.