This fellow was imaged 10 days ago, taking a rest on the parents tail. The young chicks spend 50-60% of their time riding on the adults to stay warm and rest.
D4 600VR f/4 1/800 ISO 800 pedestal mounted in the bottom of my little boat. Flash.
Post: Rotated to level, selective sharpening, NR to background, cleaned up a couple of small bits in water
His sibling is right behind him, pushing him to the back of the bus.
Advice and comments always appreciated.
Cheers
Randy
Another cracking Loon shot Randy, nice shallow DOF putting emphasis on the chick at the back of the bus.
As Joe eloquently said the DOF works here very well, Randy. Love the composition and the idea behind.
I like this a lot. Especially for the fact that you pushed the shutter button. But. It would have killed as a vertical as I am dying to see the complete reflection of the adult's head. IAC, a unique perspective. And I like the foggy look as well.
I very clever image Randy. I really like the tonality. Is that the level of vignetting that the Nikon 600 VR produces wide open?
Thanks everyone for the comments.
John - there normally is a slight amount of vignetting wide open, but I introduced a smidgen more while post processing.
Artie - Here is a vertical.
Cheers
Randy
I do like the vertical version better.
Randy, do you have one with the adult's head sideway?
different Randy,and I like it,like them both,and have improved the repost sharpening the chick a tad.thanks.
LOVE this image, and either version works for me. I feel like I'm seeing something fresh and different here, and I dig it. The adult's head is turned just enough to get a bit of the bill in profile and imo that works perfectly. This low angled, chick focused composition almost makes me feel as though we have the POV of the other parent loon following behind....
Very unique Randy,like the re post a little more, love the eye contact with the camera from the chick
Thanks Randy. Is this from the same original or did you add canvas? As presented, I'd love to see it as 3X2 with the added room above? Hard to add canvas with all the gradients going on.Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy Stout
Artie:
I went back to the original file to generate the repost. I had the room below, but had to add to the top. I mocked up a 3/2 crop, lots of open space above then, but will try a version. Would you prefer equal clear space above the head and below the reflection?
Thanks for your input.
Cheers
Randy
That's what I figgered. The trick was a vertical original... From the re-post I'd like a little more below and a lot more on top to get to 2X3 :).
Artie:
Thanks for the clarification. For the loons I shoot with a right angle finder to get the low perspective, so a vertical is a challenge, but I will give it a try!
Cheers
Randy
Yes, that would certainly seem to put a damper on doing verticals unless you can turn the thing.... I've never used one. YAW.Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy Stout
Artie:
Here is my final repost on this thread. I do like the comp. this way. Thanks again.
Shooting with a right angle finder and focal lengths of 600mm and up is an acquired skill for sure.
Cheers
Randy
Perfect and extremely well done on the Photoshop end.
Hi Randy, love the 'focus' on the youngster at the back, and a great pose from him/her too. Comp wise, I like both versions, the vertical shows off more reflection, and space on top to swim into, but the OP works well too, with youngster looking out to the RHS. :w3
I love this composition
great image and the latest processing puts it over the top
Very unique and interesting photo Randy.
I much prefer the OP with the space on the right.
All positives on what you did Randy. I am coming late to this thread and see all the versions at one time. I like the first vertical best but I lean towards tighter crops than most people. I do feel the last on has a tad too much on the top. I am not thinking of composition ratios; I am thinking empty space.
What a unique moment, Randy! Three chicks!!! What a boat... er "bus-load"! Love how the blue-gray BG not only complements the OOF parent, but helps the viewer focus on the back-of-bus brown chick and siblings. My preferred comp is the OP...chick (actually "chicks") are more "horizontal" than vertical in shape (well, at this angle the parent is kinda horizontal too), ... it doesn't overly emphasize the parent with extra space or full reflection. Lovely!
(Our Loons here are still on-nest! Actually nest #4... if successful, due to hatch July 4 weekend... yikes!)
