Skimmer topside bank in last light

[arash_hazeghi]

Got this image yesterday evening, thanks to my friend Luis for the tip about location! Image made right before sunset


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1D4 700mm f/18 1/2000sec ISO 1000

Here is a larger image for better viewing

http://ari1982.smugmug.com/Animals/Skimmer/i-NTdvKWP/2/O/AH1130.jpg

[dankearl]

Wonderful photo, F18? Must be a typo, not even you can get away with that!
The last rays of light look very nice.

[Mike Hannisian]

Did you consider adding 1/3 stop of light when taking image and/or lightening it in post processing? I ask because the image seems a bit dark to me on all three of my calibrated monitors. Otherwise, a very nice capture.

[arash_hazeghi]

sorry f/8

Mike, brightness looks fine on my calibrated screen. It was a late evening shot.

[Mike Hannisian]

sorry f/8

Mike, brightness looks fine on my calibrated screen. It was a late evening shot.

Calibration is far from a science. I have seen identical monitors calibrated with the same hardware and software and not yield the same look. As a result, I'm not surprised that we may be seeing this image differently. Regardless, it's a nice capture.

[arash_hazeghi]

Calibration is far from a science. I have seen identical monitors calibrated with the same hardware and software and not yield the same look. As a result, I'm not surprised that we may be seeing this image differently. Regardless, it's a nice capture.

If you use a hardware calibration tool like the spyder pro results should be very consistent since it measures RGB values and brightness directly from the screen...unless you change the brightness level after you have done calibration.

[Randy Stout]

Arash:

Excellent banking pose,head angle, and a good eye for a skimmer.

It does look a bit dark to me as well, even allowing for the time of day.

I might consider moving him a bit more to the left in the frame.

Cheers

Randy

[Mike Hannisian]

If you use a hardware calibration tool like the spyder pro results should be very consistent since it measures RGB values and brightness directly from the screen...unless you change the brightness level after you have done calibration.

I understand that things are supposed to work that way, but I've seen too many instances in which it just does not happen. BTW, I use Huey Pro which does the same a Spyder Pro.

[arash_hazeghi]

here is a version that is slightly brighter however it doesn't resemble the original scene so for me it's the OP. the skimmer blacks should be pure black.


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[Mike Hannisian]

I see your point. Too bad cameras are not as sensitive as our eyes (or at least as sensitive as mine used to be).

[arash_hazeghi]

I see your point. Too bad cameras are not as sensitive as our eyes (or at least as sensitive as mine used to be).

Yes unfortunately the sensor DR is way less than our eyes so late evening shots with birds that have both pure white and black is a challenge:S3:.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Arash, I love the view of the topside and the glow of last light is nice too. I think I'd like brightness between the two.

[arash_hazeghi]

here is a version with increased brightness on the BG and some HLS on the skimmer, maybe this is more appealing? (Photo was taken at 7PM)

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Appreciate all the feedback

[Ofer Levy]

Great image with excellent light, pose and thechs! All the three versions work for me.

[Mike Hannisian]

Yes unfortunately the sensor DR is way less than our eyes so late evening shots with birds that have both pure white and black is a challenge:S3:.

That's putting it mildly!

[gail bisson]

Hi Arash,
I like 1st and 3rd version. Actually, I like OP best and would just lighten up the eye area in OP. Again. amazing techs and skill in capturing this guy,
Gail

[Sid Garige]

Excellent banking shot. Like all 3 of them Arash. Different light different mood.

[Marina Scarr]

I'd go with the last version. Second is a tad too light on the blacks as you mentioned. Great topside view here.

[Luis Villablanca]

Arash, I am glad you got this great pose. I'm still trying to capture a good dorsal view.
Personally I'd prefer to correct the warm light a little and restore the natural colors of the bird.
I don't recall the colors being so warm at that time but it could be just me and my bad memory. :S3:
I look forward to seeing you again there next week.

[arash_hazeghi]

Arash, I am glad you got this great pose. I'm still trying to capture a good dorsal view.
Personally I'd prefer to correct the warm light a little and restore the natural colors of the bird.
I don't recall the colors being so warm at that time but it could be just me and my bad memory. :S3:
I look forward to seeing you again there next week.

Hey, I have actually already cooled down a bit the RAW is more orange, remember this was the last shot I took you had stopped shooting at that time :bg3:

Thanks for the tip buddy, see you next week. BTW, just ordered a R3000 looking forward to using it, may need some tips for setting it up.

I will post more banks from earlier light later

[Dumay de Boulle]

I like the OP as it seems to capture that moment and light perfectly!

[noelle zaleski]

I agree with Dumay, the original works for me.

Nice image Arash! :S3:

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Awesome banking pose, Arash. The large version is sweet.
All versions look nice; the OP looks the best to me.
Amazing work as usual.

[Troy Lim]

Very nice banking pose...looks like young adult?

[arash_hazeghi]

Very nice banking pose...looks like young adult?

I think it was a juvi?

[Mike Hannisian]

Juv (HY) BLSKs have a more mottled back. Also, Juvs would not be molting as this one appears to be doing as shown by the uneven flight feathers.

[arash_hazeghi]

Thanks Mike for clarification

Thanks everyone for nice comments