Food Dash
This is a composite work of sandhill cranes blasting off the Platte River in the morning. On one frame, I have the birds but not the tree; on another, I have the tree but the birds were awkward. It was a heavy overcast day with pretty much blah light for the sunrise and no color; thus the B&W conversion. So, I guess pretty much a perfect recipes for lemonade (you know, when life gives you lemon...). The speed blur is created on camera at 420mm, f/6.3, 1/10, ISO 800.
I'm sure this isn't an original thought, but I feel that contrasts can add a lot to an image whether we're conscious of them or not. That large empty space at the top (which I think works very well in this case) emphasizes the motion you've shown in the cranes and tree. The diagonal is effective, too.
This is just an observation about something that may or may not impact the viewers' reaction to the image, but I wouldn't be surprised if it does. Artists are taught that odd numbers of elements are more dynamic, and therefore more interesting, than even numbers. (I wouldn't be surprised if the roots of this and the rule of thirds are very much related.) The cranes in this image are flying in five groups of three. Nature . . .
Dennis, your observation is spot on. Sandhill cranes "live" in family. Since they lay two eggs every year, they usually live in three (two adults and one juvenile). The more successful family will have four in their groups. I didn't really think about it, but five groups of three... thank you for pointing that out! :)
Well Adhika, this is beautiful and well executed. My only thought would be to darken, ever so little, the trailing birds. This is the stuff of a dream weaver.
Evens and odds. I had a life full of horses a while back and even with horses, there are rules of plating rosetted manes. Uneven up the neck, and one on the forelock. Even in my garden, there are never two or four of anything.
These 2 images make a great composite. I would be inclined to have the line of cranes a bit higher, angling up over the trees. Also, maybe have the trees a bit lighter as that darker area draws the eye first. I really like the ethereal quality of the cranes and would have that look carry over into the blurred trees.
When I first saw this I felt strangely attracted to it. I say strangely because I didn't know why. Having read the comments above, I understand the whys. Thanks.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
I lighten up the tree as per Nancy's suggestion. Unfortunately, I can't darken the trailing birds without making it look weird, Glennie. I tried various kind of brushing but the blurred motion of the wing makes it really hard to brush the burn adjustment.
I like the tree lighter. Actually, I like the trailing cranes light, like they are. If you want to darken them, though, you could stamp the layers and put the resulting layer in Multiply blend mode. Then, mask off everything but the cranes you want to darken. I tried the masking very quickly using Select>Color Range to select the three on the left. The fuzziness setting I went with didn't select the lightest part of them but did a reasonable job.
I prefer the second version for the reason stated by Nancy. I, too, like the image. The blurred tree fits right in with the blurred birds. I think the placement of the birds in the lower part of the frame works fine, as does the B & W version. Nicely done.
Hi, Adhika, I'm sorry I missed this earlier as sandhills and blurs are two of my favorite things in the world! I like the repost better but I love the OP also :) I've never been to the Platte to see the sandhills. Is it difficult to photograph there from the blinds?
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly" - The Little Prince
http://tuscawillaphotographycherylslechta.zenfolio.com/
Thanks everyone! Lightening up the tree does help to make the composition more balanced.
Cheryl, it's definitely harder compared to Bosque because you are much farther away from the bird (unless you took the overnight blind) and they are not as accustomed to humans like in New Mexico. Thus, if you are looking for a tight close up, indiviidual bird, it is not exactly the place you want to be. I made this series from the several days I was there. This is pretty much what you get with a 600mm and some cropping.Originally Posted by Cheryl Slechta
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