Moorhen from Crete

[John Chardine]

I usually don't post out of season images but the freezing rain/snow etc of today made me think of a memorable trip I took to Crete last fall. Here is a Common Moorhen from a river near Georgiopoli, Crete, taken from a paddle boat (!)

The main problem with this image was the BG which I had to tone down a lot. I blurred a little and then dodged and burned with a weak (15%), soft clone tool, picking smooth light or dark areas of the image as the source. Eventually I got the desired effect.

Canon EOS 40D, 70-200mm f4 IS x 1.4 tc = 280mm
capture date: Tuesday, 30 September, 2008 2:27 AM
exposure program: Aperture Priority
ISO speed: 640
shutter speed: 1/640
aperture: f5.6
exposure bias: +0.0
metering: Pattern
flash: OFF

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great angle, details and exposure control. I find only the one reed distracting that is 'sticking out' of the bird's side on the left side and would be tempted to clone it out.

[Randy Stout]

John:

Lovely detail in the bird. I particularly like the pattern in the bill extension onto the forehead. I am sure this has a scientific name, but whatever you call it, it looks great.

The catchlight in the eye, composition, and your background tone down, all work for me.

Thanks!

Randy