The birds at LSU Lakes

nickatnite

Well, the other day was about 4 new "firsts" for me and I wanted to share and get some feedback.

Back story here, I picked up this lens in August just before Gustav came thru and never really got to shoot it until last week. It's been crazy with a lot of things going on (Work, school, re-modeling the house); but I am making more time for my photography this year (one of my resolutions). So here it goes. I got out of class early the other day and it was a really beautiful day and I just so happened to have all of my camera gear with me.

My my, what is one to do on such a pretty day? So instead taking pictures of lovely co-ed's running around the lakes, I did the next best thing. Took pictures of all of the birds!

The lens you ask? Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens

The camera? My mighty Nikon D40.....

HEY!!! Don't laugh! It's all paid for! :barb

Now for the "firsts" I mentioned.

First time for me to really shoot wildlife.
First time for me to shoot THIS glass with the Nikon D40.
First REAL time for me to shoot the ENTIRE session in RAW and feel comfortable!!!

Anyway, Let's look at some Pelicans and ducks, shall we?





I think this is my best shot of the Pelicans:




Here are a few ducks:








Like I said, this was the first time for shooting this set up and I've done minor post-processing. I used Lightroom and that is all.

Please feel free to c/c.

Nick

bfjr

Fine 1st attempt.

Watch your Exposure on the whites.

Expose for the Highlights, process for the Shadows, make sense

bhowdy

Not bad for the first time, also echo the caution on the whites. So easy to blow it out. Hey, they are better than some of my first shots.