Turtles

[tecboy]

What area do I need to improve before I will shoot more turtles next weekend? C&C please.
1

2
3

4

5

 

[MikeFlorendo]

I would say get a few shots showing more of the environment. I am curious where they live. Also time of day if possible it seems like really harsh bright light. I like #2 & #3 but it appears blown out because of the light I mentioned. I have the same turtles.

 

[limr35 5]

Funnily, I'd say the opposite. The background is quite busy and sometimes the turtle's head is directly in front one of those rod/pipe things in the water (are those bamboo stalks?) I'd suggest a lower angle, like in #3 and 4, and a shallower depth of field to isolate the turtles a bit more. Watch the background and try to get the heads more against the water so it doesn't get lost.

The light is tricky - they come out when the sun is strong but that's when the light is harsh. I'd try to go as late in the afternoon as possible while they're still out.

 

[tecboy]

These turtles are in Hakone Gardens. It is Japanese peaceful gardens. The rods you see are bamboos floating.

 

[MikeFlorendo]

Do you have a polarizer? That may help cut the harsh light.

 

[tecboy]

Do you have a polarizer? That may help cut the harsh light.

Nope, but I'm planning to buy one.

 

[MikeFlorendo]

Not too expensive. I got this one on ebay for $88 and free shipping.

B+W 52 mm XS-Pro Nano Digital Kaesemann Circular Polarizer

The only I don't like is that the part that rotates is stiff and messes with the focus on my lens so it's a balancing act.