What's the best background

[MX5]

We have a 'tame' lady blackbird in the garden quite often.

I'm wondering what background works best (when you have an option)?

1. Light


2. Dark


7D 70-200L f2.8 Mark II (@200) -- ISO-200 f/5.6 1/400

What do you think works as a background?

Thanks.

[Hereford_EOS2]

Re: What's the best background

I like the lighter background in the two samples, A nice background blur which does not distract from the subject.
I'd change that fencing though

[Bawbee]

Re: What's the best background

I agree with Stephen, regarding the bg.

The fence just needs some freshening up though

[AndyA]

Re: What's the best background

No 1 looks great, I think there's a bit too much going on in the 2nd shot and the background detracts from the subject.

[DianaS]

Re: What's the best background

Agree with previous comments, prefer the less busy background -don't be too hard on your fence - the blackbird obviously likes it!

[mwphoto]

Re: What's the best background

Bird pics work best with a real blurred background, so I shoot the vast majority of my stuff wide open (and of course this pushes the shutter speed up). With that lens crack it open to f2.8 and see what a difference it makes - will make the bird 'pop' out of the background. Final point, always make sure the eye is in focus - if the eye is sharp the rest will take care of itself! Good stuff though and keep them coming

[Nathaniel]

Re: What's the best background

MX5, I like the first pic, which is very nice and there is no clutter. Glad to note your interest in bird photography. So next Puffin trip eh?

[MX5]

Re: What's the best background

Thanks everyone.

That fence ... two panels arriving today (honest) - should have cropped out (Nothing to do with your observations - they have suffred in the recent gales).

I have tried using f/2.8 but the DoF is so shallow (at 10' away ... it's about an 1") I wasn't getting the whole bird in focus. I guess it's down to technique and keep trying.

[mwphoto]

Re: What's the best background

Thanks everyone.

That fence ... two panels arriving today (honest) - should have cropped out (Nothing to do with your observations - they have suffred in the recent gales).

I have tried using f/2.8 but the DoF is so shallow (at 10' away ... it's about an 1") I wasn't getting the whole bird in focus. I guess it's down to technique and keep trying.

That's not normally a problem - certainly with that lens wouldn't go any smaller than f4. As long as the eye is sharp the rest honestly doesn't matter

[Hereford_EOS]

Re: What's the best background

#1 for me too as the background blur is not distracting from the subject.

Do you have a sense of Déjà vu

[MX5]

Re: What's the best background

I shall have another go (when the sun is back). I just wish our sparrowhawks would stay on the fence longer after they've fed on a dove (or if very hungry a woodpigeon). Will try some at f/2.8, some with the 1.4x attached and with different backgrounds (well in so far as you can get a wild bird to sit for you!).

[S_J_P]

Re: What's the best background

How about bright green?

Spotted this fella at the local wildlife park and couldn't resist a snap!


IMG_1797a by S.J.P, on Flickr

Camera Canon EOS 60D
Exposure 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 370 mm (Siggy 150-500mm)
ISO Speed 2000