Lesson one for Sue

OK, Maria. Go to this web page, it explains it here.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

I was browsing the pictures on here and Andy mentioned that in one of his comments and it sounded like a well-known subject to anyone but to me lol

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds 

Thanks!  (We should do our homework together Sue, I'll bring the pencils and you are in charge of the candies ) 

Sue, As i have said in the past, if the photo gives you pleasure then it dos'nt matter it it conforms to the rule of three or any other idea someone else has thought up. If you like your picture then that is all that matters. You will no doubt find that you are your own worse critic.

My best advise is 'just get in there and enjoy your new equipment', if you are happy with the result well and good. If not have another bash. 

As for me i am still finding my way round the new gear.  So far I have found that the 'automatic sports' setting is  the best for the pictures of birds in flight.  I have just submitted a picture of a female Greenfinch which was taken at this setting.  The 300mm lens was fitted. It is showing details that i would never been able to see under normal circumstances.

Tomorrow, or i should say later today, we hope to visit Gibside Chapel, a National Trust place.  The RSPB along with local nature groups and Council have, for the last couple of years been reintroducing Red Kites into the area. They have produced young two years running. Hopefully i will be able to obtain a picture or two of them as they are often seen flying over the Chapel.

Regards Roy J.

Wow, Roy, the Greenfinch is fantastic. I was telling a friend just today how I want to catch such a shot, and she said it wouldn't be possible with my camera, so if you don't mind, I will send your picture to her.

I am trying not to be jealous. I do hope you have a great time, and come back with more fantastic pictures. 

Hi Sue.

Weather at Gibside was poor, low cloud and cold. No Red Kites, however, I made up for this with a Kestrel, Nuthatch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Dunnock and Chaffinch.  Some pictures taken but not of the best quality.

Re the Greenfinch picture, With your new gear you will be able to produce pictures of the same quality.  As you have a 'Canon' 70-300mm lens, it should have arrived by now, you should have the edge over my cheaper Tamron, with it you should be able to improve slighty on the details within the picture.

Why did your friend think that you would not be able to take pictures of that type?  All it takes is a bit of pratice and a bit of luck. You send her any  pictures  that you like, perhaps when she has seen the evidence she will change her mind.

Regards Roy J

Hi Roy, I'm glad you saw the birds you did. When I come over I have certain birds I have to see, Jay, Long-tailed Tit, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, oh wait, I think I could be here all day.

My lens arrived today, I attached it and went out into the garden and almost fell backwards when I looked through it and saw my water station right before my eyes. I can't wait to test it out, and I'm hoping for some decent weather tomorrow as it's my day off.

I don't Know why my friend said that, as she is getting to be a great little photographer. I may very well have misunderstood her. Last year she took some classes and you could see the improvement afterwards. Her subjects are mostly human.

I also got a wireless remote control today, and now I have to buy a tripod as the remote is pretty useless without one. Any suggestions on a tripod?

I have a bird bath out on the deck, and I figured i could set the camera up to focus on that, get into a position where I can see the birds arrive, and then snap away with the remote.

If I don't stop buying for my camera, my little inheritance will dwindle to nothing  .

Hi Sue. I have never used a tripod for photographic work, to clumberson for general work, so i can not really give you any advice. I do  like the idea of setting up the camera and using the remote control.  What range will the remote have?  I can just see you sitting back, selaxing with your favourite drink and snapping away as the birds arrive.  It certainly beats sitting in a cold hide for hours on end.  I can only recommend that you get hold of a fairly substantialy piece of equipment.  Something that will not get knocked over, or disturbed by any passing wildlife.

Again, my imagination is running away with me, in my minds eye, i can see your camera on its stand with birds of all kinds round it, but they are not at the bath but rather perched on the camera and sitting on the lens.  In the background i can just see you, curlers in your hair, remote in hand, steam coming out of your ears in frustration. While, at the same time the rarest of birds refuses to jump into the frame to get its picture taken. Imagination is a wonderful thing isn't it.

I spent a happy half hour this afternoon at a nearby pond watching a Grey Herron fishing.  It was well aware of my presence but as long as i did not get closer than about 50 feet it was quite happy to get on with obtaining its tea.