[amgard]

Not the best photo I've ever taken, but I've been waiting quite a while to capture this one. Taken through glass on a miserable day.
[IMGLINK]http://amgard.smugmug.com/photos/407129508_5gppk-L.jpg[/IMGLINK]
NIKON D300|ISO 640|1/10 seconds|f6.30|300.00 mm

{The unusual white feathers at the nape of his neck are described as leucistic, and are unlike albinism in that all pigments are affected, not just the melanin.}

[Mike.P®]

Personally I think that's a cracker, nice and sharp considering it's through glass.
Im after one myself but it keeps hiding in a tree.

[johnaalex]

As Mike said that is a good shot. Did you shoot it in RAW ad do you have Capture NX? If so, then I suggest you try some adjustments with NX to get out some more detail in the underside of the bird, I have quite surprised with the results you can get with NX on RAW files.

[amgard]

Originally Posted by johnaalex

As Mike said that is a good shot. Did you shoot it in RAW ad do you have Capture NX? If so, then I suggest you try some adjustments with NX to get out some more detail in the underside of the bird, I have quite surprised with the results you can get with NX on RAW files.

I didn't shoot RAW unfortunately, I'd turned it off when I did a large shoot at the Abingdon Marathon, and forgot to turn it back on. I do have Capture NX but don't use it as a rule because it isn't compatible with XP 64. I do have PS2, (which doesn't support D300 RAW) and might be able to bring a bit more out of the JPEG

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by amgard

I do have Capture NX but don't use it as a rule because it isn't compatible with XP 64. I do have PS2, (which doesn't support D300 RAW) and might be able to bring a bit more out of the JPEG

Having said that I have read of a number people running NX on XP 64 machines without any problems. I really do think you should give it a try, IMHO the latest version is the dog's dangly bits.

[johnaalex]

Just a quick and dirty example.

[amgard]

Originally Posted by johnaalex

Having said that I have read of a number people running NX on XP 64 machines without any problems. I really do think you should give it a try, IMHO the latest version is the dog's dangly bits.

I have tried it - it's OK until you want to select any area with the mouse, and the selection is nowhere near where you point. I do admit that I could use the non-pointy stuff though.

[peskywinnets]

Had a go myself...here's our resident garden Thrush, photographed through our back window...

Apologies for the poor quality...but it wouldn't keep still & the light was low.

[AVTEZ59]

Originally Posted by peskywinnets

Had a go myself...here's our resident garden Thrush, photographed through our back window...

Apologies for the poor quality...but it wouldn't keep still & the light was low.

Incredible detail you captured there....maybe a wider aperture, a tighter crop and some elaborate tweaking in Photoshop may just bring out the best in this one.

[peskywinnets]

Originally Posted by AVTEZ59

Incredible detail you captured there....maybe a wider aperture, a tighter crop and some elaborate tweaking in Photoshop may just bring out the best in this one.

Thanks...I'm really chuffed with it - I was worried that shooting through the window might have impacted the picture's quality...but the subject matter was so strong I think I've carried it off.

[AVTEZ59]

Originally Posted by peskywinnets

Thanks...I'm really chuffed with it - I was worried that shooting through the window might have impacted the picture's quality...but the subject matter was so strong I think I've carried it off.

Pesky....a wicked sense of humour.!!....keep 'em coming !!

[Fozzybear]

Originally Posted by johnaalex

As Mike said that is a good shot. Did you shoot it in RAW ad do you have Capture NX? If so, then I suggest you try some adjustments with NX to get out some more detail in the underside of the bird, I have quite surprised with the results you can get with NX on RAW files.

I don't think it needs any adjustment really, it looks great to me.

The adjustment you did looks rather odd John and makes the upper parts of the bird look very weird. I know it was a quick and dirty test but doesn't really show off NX very well!

[bodoman]

Yeah, its a pane shooting through windows

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by Fozzybear

I don't think it needs any adjustment really, it looks great to me.

The adjustment you did looks rather odd John and makes the upper parts of the bird look very weird. I know it was a quick and dirty test but doesn't really show off NX very well!

Paul

All I did was work with a screen shot of the post, I was just trying to show that even with that it would be possible to get some more detail out of the blacker sections. I am sure that with a RAW or even good JPG plus a LOT more care you could get a better looking shot.

[amgard]

Hi - just an update on this,
I've just been asked for my permission to print one from this set in the next 'Birdtable' magazine.
No payment as it's printed by the British Trust for Ornithology, which is a not-for-profit trust, but I will be credited, so I'm well-choughed

[johnaalex]

Well done.