I have been sitting on this one for a while and after reading Doug and Daniel's comments on Randy's spoonbill image re: "perfectly symmetrical back view", I thought I would see what you guys thought of this GBH image.
He has an eel in his mouth.
Canon 1D MKIV
F 500 and 1.4
SS 1/250
F 5.6
ISO 800
Full frame pano.
Taken at ~ 7:00AM this fall
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail
Gail! I love those fully extended wings and of course it's wonderful to see them in all their glory. I like the eel but wouldn't have really known what was going on, prey-wise, unless you told me that "he has an eel in his mouth". It's as though the eel "doesn't read as an eel", to paraphrase an old term from the cinema. Of course, if I were to look at a much larger version, I'm quite sure I'd say "Look at that fine eel, jeepers!" and of course with a (much needed) 1024px cap, we can often lose the precious small-in-the-frame details. Would I have preferred an 180 degree turn from your friend? Absolutely. To my taste, it would have made for a much more pleasing image. But most importantly: I know with all my heart that it is ESSENTIAL to spend time looking at pictures like these, pictures that capture what we so often see out there in the field. As a self-proclaimed amateur naturalist (and I think many of us would self-identify thusly) I am pleased by the verisimilitude here, something so often lacking in "traditional" bird photography.
Last edited by Jack Breakfast; 12-04-2012 at 01:08 PM.
I must say that the almost perfect symmetry in this image really helps the "something different" case. Early on I learned to never shoot animal butts, in this case however, it works wonderfully. The wing position and extended legs are right on. The bg is splendid as well.
I am reminded of Mike Milicia's award winning image of the back view of a wing stretch of a common tern. His picture works so well because it is so clean, not much evidence of habitat, just the beautiful pattern on the wings which encourages contemplation and study. This one doesn't grab me in the same way as his, my mind can't figure out if it's an environmental, behavior, or more artsy. I think that the eel actually detracts as I wish I could see more if it and the bird's eyes and head. It is certainly technically well done and please take my comments as just my own opinion! I'm sure others will differ with me on this one.
Hmm, I have a bunch of images like this and never know what to do with them. On one hand that wingspan is gorgeous and this is the position to enjoy the view, on the other hand, its difficult to see the head. If you could tell him to turn his head toward you the next time and slowly eat the eel, you would have a winner (lol)...On the other hand, as mentioned, artistically and environmentally this works. I love the BG grasses! TFS
I often find myself agreeing with most of what Grace has to say, and I think she is spot on here.
I think the image would work better, without such a strong sense of place competing with the subject.
I also agree that the bird's pose is less effective due to the eel being partially seen...for me, it creates
a conflict in interest when considering the subject pose....
Since this is more of an exercise in something different I decided to try cloning out the eel. A bit of a major alteration and "optimization" but I think it is better.
Gail
Glad to see people are looking at a variety of images to post! I appreciated Grace's comments and I feel they are appropriate. Losing the eel simplified the image, for the better. I tried several crops trying to get to the basic elements of the image. I thought that eliminating the horizon might do that, but clearly preferred it with the horizon. Without the eel, I almost have the feeling that the GBH is preparing to launch form the water and climb quickly to clear the reeds and sail off towards the horizon.
Its good to leave some unanswered questions lingering, what is going on, etc. to let the viewer compete the story their own mind.
Geeze, I am sounding pretty artsy/fartsy here, but it is fun!
Hi Gail - Another vote from me for the interesting symmetry that this image presents. And I think the eel, though not readilly identifiable, is obviously caught prey and adds interest as the bird heads for the reeds with its catch. Those warm toned reeds in the BG also add impact to the composition.
Just commented on Randys post that the bigger crop looked better. Your shots crop is good and I like it better without the eel in it. Like the symmetrical wing position and the raised coverts. The Bg adds to the shot too. I think its better not seeing any bill at all. Nice job.
Since we are tweaking things, I could see a version with a very mild surface blur on the BG, to give a bit more visual separation between the bird and the BG. Take it a bit more in the painterly direction.
As Grace so aptly stated, you are the artist, so your call!
Hi Gail, 10 points for lining everything up symmetrically. Love the light, and colours, and glad you left the ends of the grass on top. I would keep the eel, and regards the HA, I would have liked to see something as per my comment on Randy's image.
I think your rework of this really makes this image work, Gail, and I think it's pretty wonderful. It reminds me too, of Mike Milicia's tern shot, which always captivated me due to its perfect symmetry and stunning detail. Yours has these elements too and sometimes I just love to see the incredible structure of a bird, which this so well highlights.
I was looking for the "Like" button for Melissa's comment, wrong app. But an excellent point that she makes! I too think you've worked this image to a point where it's something quite unique and special.
My turn for something different!
but I think it is better.
But an excellent point that she makes! I too think you've worked this image to a point where it's something quite unique and special.
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