Wind ,rain and a Oystercatcher.

[keith mitchell]

Nikon D300
Nikon 500mm f4
1/500@f5.6
iso 500.


Not sure on the IQ on this but do like the feel of the bird against the storm.

Thanks for taking a look.

[Glennie Passier]

Hi Keith, You (and the birds) are really getting into pretty adverse weather. I love the colours of the BG. I also like very much the moss covered rocks, and how they are placed within the frame. The composition works well. Take everything I say with a grain of salt, Keith. If this image were mine, and I wish it were, I would tone down some of the brighter rocks, particularly the little one under the birds breast. I might also consider taking out the longish green grass under his beak. Would a touch of NR on the BG ruin the effect of the rain? I know how difficult it is to capture a black and white bird. You have done very well. Maybe a little hot on the birds shoulder? The eye is intriguing. A female?

Thank you for sharing this unique image!

[Ihtisham Kabir]

Great shot! I like the details of the bird's eye. The raindrops add atmosphere to the image - nicely done. I agree about toning down the fg as details of the moss fight for my attention. Very nice, thanks for sharing. Ihtisham

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the into the wind pose, driving rain and setting. I would do some more NR on the BG and tone down the bright rocks. This image is worth a little extra work Keith, TFS.

[arash_hazeghi]

Very nice Keith, I like the rain in particular. IQ looks fine but I'd also run gentle NR on the BG and tone down the highlights on the rocks. well done and TFS

[christopher galeski]

nice one Keith,love the rain drops in the BG,and the moss covered rocks,like how the birds pose slopes the same way as the rocks.TFS.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I like the oystercatcher and the setting is making for an interesting image. After looking for a few moments I have to agree about toning down the mosses a little, they are not over exposed but if a little less bright I think the oystercatcher would become more dominant.

[keith mitchell]

Thanks to you all with your suggestions, I do like the conditions that I took this under but do understand it wanted some more work and thanks for pointing that out.Here is a repost afraid I could not do a lot of NR without loosing the rain drops.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love the inclement weather! Great perch, and well-balanced composition. The toned down brighter rocks in the repost make a big difference. If possible I would have loved for you to get down 4-5 inches at the time of exposure...do you know why?

[keith mitchell]

Thanks for that Dan, had this shot for some time but I do remember trying to stop my pop up hide, which I set up on the steep side of an old chalk quarry nearly being blown away,( 4-5 inches at the time of exposure...do you know why? ) wish I had a bit more experience at the time but then was pleased to get a bird in focus. Maybe this year I might try to get back and have another go.
Keith.