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It seems when we get these extreme cold spells I migrate to the open water on the river where these Trumpeter Swans congregate throughout the winter up here in Minnesota. This image was taken this past weekend at -16 degrees.
http://www.pbase.com/image/120809757.jpg
Nikon D300 ~ Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 ~ Nikon 1.4x TC
ISO 640 ~ F/8 ~ 1/1600 sec ~ +1 EV ~ Gitzo tripod
I would be doing the same too!!
Nice dreamy feel to the image. Good pose. I like how the neck disappears behind the wing and then comes back out higher. There is a very subtle vertical line (similar to a clone mark) in the BG directly above the head that grabs my attention.
Lovely image, Mike. Pose is great and I like the monochrome look and soft depth created by the mist. Good job on getting the detail in the white plumage.
Almost looks like an angel. Love the dreamy feel and the nice exposure and sharpness. Looks like a vertical clone mark above the eye.
Exquisite bird, pose, and fog. And yes, there appears to be some problems in the BKGR above the head. There is a seemingly straight line in one spot and some Clone Stamp Tool smudging as well. Had you been a yard or two to the right the results would likely have been a bit more pleasing. I have probably asked this before: is this one in the lady's yard?
IAC, I would be glad to have this one in my collection.
Mike --you nailed a nice one here!! Very sweet ! You didn't give your workflow, but to my eye the tones look a bit funky around the body and tail especially.(Did you add contrast?) Not a big deal to take another look at-- just thought I'd mention it. If I were you I think I'd be workin these guys a lot with this sort of possibility.
Paul
Thanks, yep I see that darn clone line. I always go back with a softer brush and hit area's a second time and I missed that location. I had a few geese as dark spots in the image that I cleaned up. :)
Thanks for pointing that out, totally overlooked it!
Artie, It actually was not at her location as you can only shoot from that platform up above. However you can shoot in town near the hospital at ground level and that ladies neighbor just built a small platform at water level and charges like $20.00 per hour I believe. The proceeds go to feed the Swans through the winter. If you plan on coming to Minnesota, get in touch okay. Also, it sounds like you got to spend time with Grace. She is a sweetie... had her and Jimmy G shooting in my yard last spring... good peeps!
Paul, I definitely plan on heading back soon.:)
Beautiful image Mike,
I love the comp and am amazed at the level of detail you've managed in the mist!
the mist lends such a lovely etheral mood Mike. Beautiful wingspread and wonderful details. Just gorgeous :)
Just gorgeous. As already mentioned, I love the dreamy effect
A beautiful composed image Mike!
That is a gorgeous shot Mike! With a bit more room on the left and a some second clone stamp work this is a real beauty for sure. Love the fog and monotome colours and of course the cool pose of the swan well done!
A brilliant white in the wings with great detail! Great contrast with the black of the beak and eye. Love the dreamy feel of the image. The perspective is great as well, way to get low for the shot!
That's the best picture of a swan I have ever seen!
Exquisite!!! Great job with the flash!!!
We just saw a bunch of them at YNP, but no comparison, this is really sweet :)
Nothing new to add here, Mike. This is an outstanding image - as noted repeatedly above. Thanks for the tip about the hospital location. :) :)
really cool shot buddy, no nits here!! the fog, and light could not be better.
A beautiful image Mike I really like the mood captured.
Mike, lovely mood, and just love the soft light. Excellent exposure, with good detail from the wings. Well captured.
Everything's said, just want to add that the look is nearly surreal to me who have never seen snow - love it, but I think you can keep the cold, I rather have 46C in the desert.
Lovely, lovely work, Mike. The pose, mist, detail in the whites, and the subtle reflection, really make this a fine image!
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the kind words. ;)
