Later, Gator!

JustPlainMeJustPlainMe Registered Users Posts: 190 Major grins
edited April 21, 2009 in Wildlife
I made a rookie mistake with a couple of these. I had my 75-300 with me, and in order to get the shot I wanted, I had it all the way out and forgot about the unbelievably narrow DOF. The DOF calculator I looked at afterward (ugh!) said at that focal length and aperture I had about 1/10th of an inch to work with.

I hope someday I'll quit making these numbskull mistakes. I wouldn't have noticed this two months ago. But I'm going to keep trying!

1.
3461309894_c734dedf1e.jpg

2.
3461308264_6ce42bb906.jpg

3.
3460493465_ec4a6d5001.jpg

Compositionally #3 is my favorite, but that's where the mistake is most obvious. His snout is so long, there's no way it wouldn't be OOF at that aperture and focal length. (300mm, 5.6)

TFL.
Please ignore my opinions! And if I ask for constructive criticism, please give it to me. I have really thick skin! :huh

Comments

  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 21, 2009
    Good learning experience. I like #2.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited April 21, 2009
    Always a conflict between DOF and shutter speed for me. It's a wonder I get anything!rolleyes1.gif

    I see no problem with your first two and even the last one if the eyes had been the focus point.

    Nothing wrong with shallow DOF...depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
  • JustPlainMeJustPlainMe Registered Users Posts: 190 Major grins
    edited April 21, 2009
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    Always a conflict between DOF and shutter speed for me. It's a wonder I get anything!rolleyes1.gif

    I see no problem with your first two and even the last one if the eyes had been the focus point.

    Nothing wrong with shallow DOF...depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

    Thank you both for looking, and taking the time to encourage and critique. For some reason, the OOF snout just bugs me. I'm going to go back up there this weekend and take a few more shots. Maybe he'll cooperate again!
    Please ignore my opinions! And if I ask for constructive criticism, please give it to me. I have really thick skin! :huh
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