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Thread: Higher dynamic ranges impact on my shooting - common loon in bright light

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Default Higher dynamic ranges impact on my shooting - common loon in bright light

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    This common loon was imaged in northern Michigan in July. I normally would have been off the lake by this time, but the D4's wider dynamic range has allowed me to deal with the high contrast loon over a wider range of lighting conditions. The D300 wasn't really happy with loons once the sun was out in force. The D700 was somewhat better, but the D4 has allowed me to capture the full range of luminosity with much less blowing out of whites or clipping of the blacks. I still really like the darker, moody images of loons, but it is fun to have the option.

    D4 600VR with 1.4TC f/6.3 1/1250 ISO 400 mounted in the bottom of my little boat

    Post: Minor crop for comp. Selective sharpening. Cleaned up the second catchlight reflection.

    Advice and comments always appreciated.

    Cheers

    Randy
    Last edited by Randy Stout; 09-24-2012 at 08:19 PM.
    MY BPN ALBUMS

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    Excellent Loon portrait, Randy. Great colours and details. Love the low angle as well.

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    Randy, this is sweet. I like the background on this one looks silky smooth. Very nice eye and love the neck colors. In your estimation what f stop are we talking to get the back feathers in focus?

    Gary

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    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    Very nice close up, the light does not harsh at all,
    Nice BG and FG.
    Dan Kearl

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    Hola Randy!
    This is a stunning portrait. The light you capture here is so special. I love the red eye and green water. Great news about your D4 performance.

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    Fabulous portrait of Loon.Love the great details,lovely colors,beautiful background.


    Regards,
    Satish.

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    Excellent low angle portrait with lovely BG & stunning amount of feathers detail. TFS

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    Wow!!! Stunnig image. Just love the low, low angles you capture in your loon shots. Wonderful background and excellent details.
    Well done.

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Hi Randy, the light doesnt look harsh at all, which in turn has brought out the sheen on the head very well. Their red eyes always pop against the darker plumage, and what would a loon be without droplets all over. Great BG too.

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    Excellent loon, and very useful assessment of the D4. I'm still on a D3S. How much of an improvement in dynamic range does the D4 offer over the D3S?

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    Hi Randy,
    I really like this.
    I love all your trademarks : super low angle and stunning IQ.
    Comp is perfect and I love this light. Allows the viewer to see even more details and sheen.
    I like the slightly upturned head as well.
    I also like the way the green water disappears into the BG,
    Gail

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    Very nice portrait. Always look forward to your loon photos. I can imagine how hard it is to properly expose for the blacks and whites, very narrow window for mistakes! Absolutely love the green bg.

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gary Esman View Post
    Randy, this is sweet. I like the background on this one looks silky smooth. Very nice eye and love the neck colors. In your estimation what f stop are we talking to get the back feathers in focus?

    Gary
    Gary:

    I would guess f/11 would get most of the back in focus in this shot.

    Cheers
    MY BPN ALBUMS

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Craig Brelsford View Post
    Excellent loon, and very useful assessment of the D4. I'm still on a D3S. How much of an improvement in dynamic range does the D4 offer over the D3S?
    Craig:

    At ISO 400, the D4 DR advantage is said to be about 1 stop, or just slightly less. As you go higher, say 3200 or more, they are essentially the same. All the DR curves go down substantially as you get into the higher ISOs, so as always, it is an advantage to shoot at the lowest ISO consistent with your other needs (aperture/shutter speed/available light).

    Cheers

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

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    Excellent image Randy! I like the low angle, IQ, BG and composition.

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    Love all the water beads on the head, just tons of detail on this fine portrait.
    Loons always look so good in calm green water like this.

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    Beautiful portrait, great details, a great shot.

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    This is a beautiful photo. The color and lighting is simply stunning. It is really amazing what a couple extra stops of dynamic range can get you...those deep blacks are incredibly rich in detail considering how bright the highlights are. Fantastic work, Randy!

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