Gray Day

[Bill McCrystyn]

Nikon D300 200-400VR 1.7TC 1020mm ISO800 1/800 f/6.7 EV -1.33 CW Handheld

This morning was very cold when I got up and we had about 30-40 ft visability. I looked out and the only color I could see anywhere was this little Blue Bird puffed up trying to keep warm and having enough sense to stay put. I kept him soft with the scene. I liked the bold diagonal in the frame to set off the little round puffy thing sitting on it.

Any suggestions welcome -

[denise ippolito]

Bil, I agree w/ you. I like the bold diagonals in the frame and feel your little puffy Bluebird looks great! Since this is an artistic impression I also agree leaving the bird a touch soft is a good thing.:)

[Bill McCrystyn]

Thanks Denise. I thought I would give this a try. What's your take? Have I lost anything or gained?

[denise ippolito]

Bill, I think you are right it looks much better!!:)

[Bill McCrystyn]

Well, I felt I went maybe a little far the other way so I have settled on about half way. Thanks for your input. You'll make a photographer out of me yet. :D

[denise ippolito]

Bill, I am still going w/ pane #3:)

[Bill McCrystyn]

I like a girl who stands her ground unlike these wishy washy guys. BTW, there was a Porsche Turbo behind door # 7 how-ever. :D:p

Thanks Denise. It's this kind of feedback that helps a creative process. - Bill

[denise ippolito]

Hehehe:) How did you know my favorite car was a Porche? Except I'm going w/ the Boxter, it fits my style more!!!:p

[Bill McCrystyn]

A Jersey girl and Italian - how did I know that??? I don't suppose you have family in Brooklyn? ;)

[Julie Kenward]

Bill, this is so beautiful. I can't decide which I like best, though...maybe the last post? That diagonal branch is really great to anchor the eye through the image and that burst of color on the bird really pops - even with the soft touch.

[Bill McCrystyn]

Thank you very much Jules. You know how much I enjoy your work. It's funny how sometimes the easiest off the cuff shots turn out best. I opened the back slider and there he was. I wish I could say I hunted him for days and finally ran him down in extreme weather with the boat almost going over the waterfalls. I thought maybe I had a good one when the AF locked on and he snapped into focus. I got lucky. I'm sure glad you guys like it. The compromise 3rd frame is the one I decided on. Denise did how-ever, win the Porsche Boxer T-Shirt with door #2. I hope I got the right size? :D

[Cindy Mead]

lovely soft mood Bill.. I like the light/colors in the second version best, but they're all very nice. I used to have a bluebird nestbox trail downstate and I sure miss these little beauties. So sweet :)

[denise ippolito]

Bill, This thread has been lots of fun -Hope you'll visit us again soon, but I am still sticking to pane #3. Must be the Jersey in me.:)

[Bill McCrystyn]

FINE! :p