Cormorant Silhouette

[Stu Bowie]

Im testing the waters here ( pun not intended ) Does this work. Visiting the Pilanesberg National Park last weekend, this fellow was perched directly infront of the hide, which meant that I was shooting directly into the low sun. As I enjoy my reflections, I thought the added semi clear reflection was an added bonus. I was set up for other shots, thus the high settings, so this was a grab shot to capture the moment. Taken early morning. This is full frame.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +2X TC = 600mm
1/8000
F/7.1
ISO 1000

Hand held

[William Dickson]

Hi Stu, Lovely frame and it works for me I would also like to see a crop, without the reflection. I tried that, and it worked for me even better Great capture, thanks for sharing


WDYT


Will

[Randy Stout]

Stu:

Fun to try new looks, for sure. Very strong graphic feel to it.

My reservations are two fold: I wish there was a bit more detail or ripples in the water to better define the water. As is, the silhouette seems to be floating in limbo, vaguely unsettling for me.
Even more than a standard reflection image, I think the reflection has to be very good to make it work its best. If the head was a bit clearer in the reflection, that would help.

Great to stretch and keep exploring new things.

Cheers

Randy

[adrian dancy]

It is difficult to tell if this will work in my view. If the bird is sharp then yes. I think silhouettes are best when the subject is not entirely blacked out, that is to say, I like a hint of detail to help with the form. The ripple would have been better on body than on the bird's head. Hard to control such matter looking through a view finder IMHO. Nice work Stu.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I see what Adrian meant about the ripple through the reflection's head, but I still love these types of shots very much.
Nice thinking and work Stu!
Thanks for sharing!

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for the honest feedback everyone.

[Geoff Newhouse]

Beautiful abstract, artsy image. I prefer the original composition with reflection to the tight crop.

TFS
Geoff

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Stu - Always great to spread our wings a bit and experiment (pun intended). I like the graphic nature to this, you could also use "Threshold" in PS for this. I prefer the op and think it is apparent that it is a reflection. It works for me.

TFS,
Rachel

[David Salem]

Great looking shot Stu. I like the OP but I might try to clean up the reflection a bit. Nice work.

[Tony Whitehead]

I like the graphic nature of this image, Stu. To maximise the effect I would push it to pure B&W by pulling the BG to pure white with levels

[Stu Bowie]

Hey Tony, your high key finish here does it more justice than the visible water. Thanks a stack.