How Dark Was It???

[Arthur Morris]

This image was created at Bosque del Apache on Thanksgiving morning with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1092632-REG/canon_9524b002_ef_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6l_is.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA1004002LIS/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA1004002LIS) (at 170mm) and the rugged Canon EOS-1D X. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827036-REG/Canon_5253B002_EOS_1D_X_EOS_Digital.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CAE1DX/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX). ISO: ?? Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/15 sec. at f/5.6 in Tv mode. Color temperature: 8100K (a fortuitous error).

Center AF point (Manual selection/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2013/10/31/if-this-doesnt-get-the-point-across-nothing-will/) to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Anyone care to guess the ISO?

As for the image, don't be shy; all honest comments are welcome. a

[Jonathan Ashton]

I have played with some high ISO settings on my 1DX so I am guessing somewhere round 40,000 even 50,000.
Regarding the image I can soon have enough of blurrs to be honest but I must admit I find this one appealing, I like the white band at the base and the apparent panning action and yet the mountains appear to be relatively well outlined -intriguing!

[gail bisson]

This looks a lot better than the thumbnail!
The white line of geese look like a wave crashing upon the beach.And the brown grasses look like sand. Very cool, actually.
Image looks like an oil painting with the brush strokes ie. snow geese flying away.
Not usually a fan of blurs but I like this.
Have no idea what your ISO was, but because you are asking it must have been high.

[Bob Smith]

This is a real work of art, with the birds rising spirit-like out of what appears to be wind driven foam on a storm tossed beach and joining a passing flock of kindred spirits. They then rise up and disappear into the white glow in the heavens above the distant blue ridge. I'm usually not too keen on blurs but this one is a major achievement. <script type="text/javascript" src="safari-extension://com.ebay.safari.myebaymanager-QYHMMGCMJR/a57ea1b0/background/helpers/prefilterHelper.js"></script>

[Marina Scarr]

I am really loving the feel of this one, Artie. Love your choice of composition here. The frame is moody, full of interest, movement and artistry.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Quite nice in a different way. From your comments I would guess quite dark. Another technique to master, thank you for sharing, Artie.

[keith mitchell]

Right up my street a truly different image, love it.

Keith

[Arthur Morris]

I have played with some high ISO settings on my 1DX so I am guessing somewhere round 40,000 even 50,000.
Regarding the image I can soon have enough of blurs to be honest but I must admit I find this one appealing, I like the white band at the base and the apparent panning action and yet the mountains appear to be relatively well outlined -intriguing!

Thanks all for your kinds words. I love this one too. It is a bit reminiscent of the original Blizzard in Blue.

How dark was it? ISO 12,800 dark at 1/15 second. Pretty darned dark.

If you are new to pleasing blurs you might want to check out the e-book that I did with Denise Ippolito here. (https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=375)

[arash_hazeghi]

very nice Artie, from the exif you were almost doing a night shot!

[Daniel Cadieux]

I'm really liking the flow of the composition with the highest mountain peak nicely balancing everything out. Just the right amount of blurring too.

Happy New Year Artie!

[Glenn Conlan]

A piece of art, well done!