I did a bit of reading on this species while I recently watched this majestic specimen perform at a water hole in the Kalahari. It is said that the term " bateleur" translates into " street performer" in French, and it comes from this bird's habit of moving its wings from side to side when gliding. I also noticed that, unlike vultures, the Bateleurs land precisely on the water hole, or rather on the stones near the water. They are extremely entertaining, and I was thrilled to watch one particular individual warning his companions about incoming strangers. I can only compare the sounds he made with the incessant bark of a dog; while making these sounds he was bowing and raising his wings, only to bring them again close to its body, head pointing towards the sky and at times awkwardly bent backwards in what looked to me like a very uncomfortable pose.
I hope to share some of these images with you soon, meanwhile a first and humble attempt for you to critique and comment if you like. In retrospect, I think F 5.6 was not appropriate, should have used F6.3 or 7.1. I do have better images of this bird at higher F-stops but they require a lot of work, perhaps some cloning and extra canvas.
I'm fine with your choice of f-stop. Stopping down would not have changed much anyway. The head is nice and sharp, background pleasing, and I like your desription of the wing position. Please do share some more!
Awesome! My only thought would be to think about bringing out a little more detail in the dark region behind the eye, down the neck. But that's a small wish -- it's wonderful as is! Great sharpness and color -- was it soft light?
Hi Gaby, I like how the head is placed between the wings, and I do like the detail there. Great view of the feet, and overall, the bateleur pops nicely from the sandy BG. Well captured.
Thank you so much for your comments and praise, your kind words gave me a sense of achievement for my work. I did share this image with Steve K some time ago and he gave me advice on processing; tonight he reminded me to disclose performing some cloning done during processing. This was shot at a water hole by the name of Cubitje Quap in the Kalahari. A very unsightly water pipe had to be removed and quite a heavy crop to place the subject in the desired spot( thus some rocks surrounding the water hole were also removed, as well as a few green spots in the BG). Obviously not a perfect shot but I did all I could to improve this image. Should you wish to the the original I will be happy to post it.
I am fine with the depth of field and love the sharp face. For the repost I opened up the blacks of the head with NIK Detail Extractor and by pulling up the curve. Let me know what you think.
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Good morning Arthur and thank you, great finishing touch! I do not have NIK but at some stage during processing I opened up the blacks more using curves and then something made me go back again, even though I wanted that detail in the feathers. I think that "something" must have been my memory of these birds-the plumage looked pitch black, or rather-blue black, when I looked at them. It must have been the strong sun during midday, this is about the only time they like to bath and drink at the water holes.
I love what you did here, I wonder if you added some extra sharpening too, your version looks more vibrant and the image has that glossy clean appearance I always look for.
Thank you again for your time and input, I realise how important detail is and I shall process another image of this beautiful raptor-would like to try achieve the same result
Thanks for your kind words. Glad that you liked it.
re:
Good morning Arthur and thank you, great finishing touch! I do not have NIK but at some stage during processing I opened up the blacks more using curves and then something made me go back again, even though I wanted that detail in the feathers. I think that "something" must have been my memory of these birds-the plumage looked pitch black, or rather-blue black, when I looked at them. It must have been the strong sun during midday, this is about the only time they like to bath and drink at the water holes.
Yes, pulling up the curve too much introduces noise and gives the blacks a funky look.
I love what you did here, I wonder if you added some extra sharpening too, your version looks more vibrant and the image has that glossy clean appearance I always look for.
Did not add any sharpening. It's just that Detail Extractor does just what it says it will :). I use NIK on most every image that I process, and I no longer make one cent since Google took over NIK. But Color Efex Pro is magic....
Thank you again for your time and input,
YAW. I have not been spending as much time as I would like with my extensive travel schedule and the 20+ hours a week I put into the blog. You should subscribe. BTW, you might want to get a copy of my Digital Basics File.... Digital Basics is an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. It includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips including Digital Eye Doctor techniques, several different ways of expanding canvas, all of my time-saving Keyboard Shortcuts, Quick Masking, Layer Masking and NIK Color Efex Pro basics, creating and using time-saving Actions, and tons more.
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I realise how important detail is and I shall process another image of this beautiful raptor-would like to try achieve the same result
Get NIK :).
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,
Dear Arthur, a great deal of precious advice and information you have given me above-THANK YOU! I will subscribe asap as well as buy NIK. TODAY!
I really appreciate you taking the time to help-believe me, it makes the world of difference.
Sorry Diane-I thought I had answered your question but looking through my replies I realize I did not-my apologies. Regarding light-unfortunately these birds like to bath and drink during midday when it is very hot. I do not remember precisely what time of the day this image was taken but I remember the light was very harsh. Lots of shadows, the eyes were pitch black and very detail in the feathers, unfortunately. I could only wish for soft light!
The Performer
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