These high key Dunlins were photographed on the Barnegat Jetty IPT with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus lens, the Canon 1.4x EF Extender III (teleconverter), and the Canon EOS-1D X digital SLR . ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 2/3 stops: 1/250 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode.
Central sensor (by necessity)/AI Servo/Rear Focus AF on the head of the bird on our left and re-compose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
This image was actually created from two consecutive images. I grabbed the whole image with the bird with its foot raised and brought it into the previous frame on a layer. Then I reduced the opacity of the top layer and lined up the bird on the left with the bird on the layer below. Then I added a regular later mask, painted away the bird on the left, and fine-tuned the selection. It sounds complex but it took all of 30 seconds. All principles are of course detailed in our Digital Basics File which includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips, all of my keyboard shortcuts, “Layer Masking for Dummies,” and NIK Color Efex Pro basics. This PDF which is sent via e-mail will be the best $25 that you ever spent on photography.
I used Control Point Technology in NIK’s Viveza to lighten the white sand background and accentuate the high key look. I love the raised foot and the juxtaposition of the two shorebirds. Click here and scroll down for NIK discount info. Not to mention a cool blog post on choosing a new perspective. Speaking of shorebirds, if you cannot age these two as being in first winter plumage get yourself a copy of my Shorebirds; Beautiful Beachcombers.
As for the image, don't be shy; all comments welcome.
Last edited by Peter Kes; 01-07-2013 at 05:48 PM.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Hi Artie, love the diagonal angled poses of the two, and the high key has turned out well. Although the reflections arent clear, they do add to break the FG.
Welcome Uri. If you like an image, please let us know why. Same if you do not like it. We work very hard here to avoid becoming a "Great Shot" forum. Thanks and l'chaim.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Nice composition. The right hand OOF bird is a great counterpoint to the main character and the raised foot adds extra interes. I like the high key presentation and the slight reflection on the water.
The whole image creates a dreamy feel.
One From Column A....
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Originally Posted by Uri First
