Which Razorbill image do you prefer?

[Arthur Morris]

Image #1 (3622): Razorbill looking toward us

This image was created on an afternoon landing at Inner Farnes on the 2017 UK Puffins and Gannets IPT. This one was made two seconds before Image #2 below. I used the Induro (https://www.outdoorphotogear.com/search.php?search_query=indurogrand&rfsn=132487.5cf37.9906) GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6 (http://birdsasart-shop.com/mongoose-action-head/)-mounted Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/754507-USA/Canon_5124B002_500mm_f_4L_EF_IS.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA5004LISEF2/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA5004LISEF2), the Canon Extender EF 2X III (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732111-USA/Canon_4410B002_Extender_EF_2X_III.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA2XEF3/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA2XEF3), and my favorite seabird photography camera body, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274705-REG/canon_eos_5d_mark_iv.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CAE5D4/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCAE5D4) ISO 400. Evaluative metering -1/3 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. Daylight WB. LensAlign/FocusTune micro-adjustment: 7. The AF point that was one to the right and two rows up from the center AF point/AI Servo/Shutter button AF was active at the moment of exposure (as framed). The selected AF point was placed on the base of the bird’s bill, directly below the right eye, on the same plane as the bird’s eye.

Please check out Image #2 below (posted for comparison) and let us know which one you like better, and why.

All comments are welcome and appreciated. With love, artie

[Arthur Morris]

Image #2 (3624): Razorbill looking down and ready to squabble …

This image was created on the same afternoon landing at Inner Farnes as the image above. I used the Induro (https://www.outdoorphotogear.com/search.php?search_query=indurogrand&rfsn=132487.5cf37.9906) GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6 (http://birdsasart-shop.com/mongoose-action-head/)-mounted Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/754507-USA/Canon_5124B002_500mm_f_4L_EF_IS.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA5004LISEF2/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA5004LISEF2), the Canon Extender EF 2X III (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732111-USA/Canon_4410B002_Extender_EF_2X_III.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA2XEF3/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA2XEF3), and my favorite seabird photography camera body, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274705-REG/canon_eos_5d_mark_iv.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CAE5D4/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCAE5D4) ISO 400. Evaluative metering -1/3 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. Daylight WB.
LensAlign/FocusTune micro-adjustment: 7. The AF point that was one to the right and two rows up from the center AF point/AI Servo/Shutter button AF was active at the moment of exposure (as framed). The selected AF point was placed on the back of the Razorbill’s neck, on pretty much on the same plane as the bird’s eye.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Artie, I prefer the second image. The profile shows off the bird nicely, good look at the eye. The shape of the bird mimics the shape of the rock perch. The image flows diagonally from left to right. Thank you for sharing.

[gail bisson]

Hi Art,
I prefer number 2 as well. One gets a better look at the eye and the comp is more pleasing.
I wonder if a slice off the RHS of image #1 might make the image tighter and thus bring the eyes out a bit more-I do love the white lines leading to the eyes,
Gail

[Lorant Voros]

I like both, but my vote goes for the 2nd one as well. The eye naturally follows the curves of the head and the beak.

[Mike Hitchen]

Its a tough one but I am more struck by the first with the bird looking at the camera. And when you are running on visual impact it is often hard to say why, but the best I can say is that not only do you have the eye contact but the 'Y' shape of the facial markings seem to add the equivalent of lead-in lines.

[William Dickson]

Number Two for me. Because the HA immediately drew my attention. Plus, more 'attitude' on the bird. Lovely control of blacks/whites with great detail. Lovely perch with killer BG.

Will

[Glenn Pure]

My preference is the one posted first in this thread, ie looking towards the camera. In the second one, the bird looks like it might topple forward (even though it probably won't) - but it created an uncomfortable feel for me because of that, I think. In the first one, the bird could almost be saying something to you with the direct look and open bill. However, I'm not always a fan of shots with 'eye contact' even though I know they will generally appeal to more people. I do think it works better here though.

[Ian McHenry]

I'm with Glenn in selecting the first image. Do prefer eye contact images which bring the viewer in as part of the scenario. Leaves one wondering "And what comes next?'

[Mike Poole]

Tough call.

On first look, the second shot has the clearer view and is more of a 'classic' shot, but I do like the way the mouth and the white markings on the face almost mirror each other on the first shot.

I find these birds really hard to shoot because of the eye, but always try and get the yellow mouth showing if I can

Mike

[Arthur Morris]

Tough call.

On first look, the second shot has the clearer view and is more of a 'classic' shot, but I do like the way the mouth and the white markings on the face almost mirror each other on the first shot.

I find these birds really hard to shoot because of the eye, but always try and get the yellow mouth showing if I can

Mike

Thanks Mike. I agree with you but only 100%. Razorbills are very tough. See my comments on that in the blog post here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2017/09/04/important-blog-news-wanted-to-buy-info-a-selective-color-tutorial-and-both-not-too-bad/) under the heading Razorbills are Tough to Photograph!


Was that great landing image of a Razorbill from Bempton Cliffs yours?

with love, artie

[Mike Poole]

Was that great landing image of a Razorbill from Bempton Cliffs yours?

with love, artie

Hi Artie,

Sadly I don't have any razorbill flight shots so whatever you're referring to isn't mine. I have plenty of perched shots and I think I even have them copulating, but nothing I'd class as 'BPN worthy'. I might take another look and see if I've missed one now though!

Mike

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Mike. The shot was posted on BPN, a sharp, spectacular incoming flight shot in late afternoon light. I am gonna try to find it now ...

with love, artie

[Mike Singh]

I prefer the 2nd image. Joseph verbalised the reasons very well!
Mike