I have a lot to learn when it comes to nature photography. On a recent short trip to Georgia, I went out in the morning to catch some of the very late-blooming foliage. The colors are nice, but I would rate this photo, the best of the lot, as background noise.
The depth of field is way too shallow, I now see. The tree bark works, but way too few of the leaves are in focus…I actually feel like no leaves are in focus. I shot at f/4, and really should have closed that down considerably. But, I was already at 1/40th of a second, and that was handheld because I did not carry a tripod on such a quick trip. So, f/4 was about the best I could do.
So, now I see the value of the nature photography pointers I have read before:
- use a small aperture for deep depth of field
- use a tripod
And though it was early-ish in the morning, I could have done a lot better if I were serious about capturing a great shot. Honestly, though, I was a guest in an unknown (till that night) home, and could not get out till they were up and the house alarm was off.
I think this photo could really be improved in another important way as well. I do not know what my subject was. My eye did not seem to be able to focus on anything when taking the shot, and I think that is reflected in the photo. I do not know where I am supposed to look.
Nice colors, but that is my best critique on this photo.
