Working a different angle - Spoonie inspired by Jack Breakfast

[Randy Stout]

This image was taken this past Feb. while out with Capt. James in Tampa Bay. I had looked at it a couple of times but never done anything with it. Jack Breakfast posted a image with a couple of wood ducks with non traditional head angles (or in one case, no head at all!) I do think we get stuck in one way of looking at images, so thought I would work on this one a bit.

D700 600VR TC 17 (1000mm) f/8.0 1/1000s ISO 400 Manual exposure Gitzo/Wimberley

Post: Removed another bird from BG, expanded canvas bottom and right. Selective sharpening

It is unmistakably a spoonie, even without the head showing at all. I would probably have not spent the time if the bill wasn't visible, which adds a interesting detail IMO.

Advice and comments appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Jack Breakfast]

Obviously I'm delighted and flattered to be mentioned in this way but now I'll erase that niceness from my brain and comment on this picture:
Surprise! I like it! You've reduced that spoonbill's head to its bare essentials, to its wonderful essence: the bill for which he gets his name! What makes the spoonbill so visually marvelous? That crazy pink and that crazy bill, and you've got it all! A different and very pleasing look at this oft-photographed bird. Thank you for sharing this...

[arash_hazeghi]

it is interesting Randy and you are quite right about that we get stuck in one way of looking at things, but looking at this image for several minutes it doesn't really work for me. IMO it doesn't make the connection with the viewer.

Different can be OOTB and artistic , but mere unconventionality by itself doesn't make something better unless it serves a specific function. For example nobody makes a car with 5 wheels just because it is different.

It is an interesting discussion, I am sure opinions will be polarized on this one. TFS!

[John Cooper]

The spoon-bill readily identifies the species and the colourful arched wings filling the frame makes this an interesting study. The pastel blues and pinks also add impact.

[dankearl]

The IQ is so good on this that I miss the head here.
I can just imagine a look back pose.
Interesting and always nice to attempt a new look.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, great view of the wings, and overall well exposed. Im on the side that even a bit of the head being visible would have been better.

[Greg Oakley]

Great IQ and comp, plus some stunning colours in this Randy - agree with the others - just a smidge more of the head would have been perfect, but good on you for breaking a few rules - it still works for me,
Cheers Greg

[David Salem]

This one is nice but I think it needs something more to tie it together. Even if it were a different BG maybe. The bill is nice and lets us know that it is a spoonie for sure. Very well exposed and full of feather detail. I like different stuff so keep em coming TFS

[gail bisson]

Hi Randy,
I have looked at this several times with an open mind ( I hope) and although I love the beautiful and detailed view of the back and wing feathers, I miss the eye. I don't need the whole head , just the eye to connect to.
It is still a keeper as I can see what appeals to you in this image.
Gail

[Doug Brown]

I definitely like the idea of pushing boundaries, but this frame may take things a step too far. I could see this type of image shot from directly behind the bird, maybe even with no head visible.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Doug expressed what I'm thinking...had it been perfectly directly facing away for a symmetrical view of the wingflap this would have been so cool. As is, although the techs are perfect and colours spectacular, it just feels like something is missing. Great to keep an open mind though, and these types of images do inspire a good conversation.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks so much everyone for your honest opinions! It has been an interesting exercise for me, as I am prone to a rather monolithic view of what works and what doesn't in photos, and feel that sometimes that mindset can be a bit stifling of ones creativity.

So, I'll chalk this one up as a near miss, but I am glad to have tried it.

Cheers

Randy