This is another frame from my time with the Red Grouse in Perthshire last week. I got lucky as this guy chose a 'drystane dyke' as a perch. It's usually difficult to get a photograph of a Red grouse showing its legs and feet, as whilst in amongst the heather, their natural habitat, they hardly ever show their legs. A 'drystane dyke' is the scottish name for a 'wall' which is made from rocks from the surrounding area, with no mortar used. It was probably built over 100 years ago.
Will, I love the fact that you put yourself in really great positions to get "lucky" in the field. Your preparation seems to consistently pay off. I like the nice clean background. Thanks for sharing these grouse images.
Really nice multi toned BG and i like the perch as well. They really do have interesting feet. Detail is well captured and nice colors throughout. I might be tempted to darken the face just a bit. Great look at the eye as well. TFS
Will this is a peach of a shot. Love the setting pose and of course his trousers, I would love to get a shot as good as that one well done.
I would be tempted to add a little clarity (8-12) to the bird, I think it makes a significant difference.
Both versions look great Will and I'm struggling to decide which I like best. I like the richness of colour in the background in the OP and probably prefer to tones in the bird on the repost. Maybe combine the two? Either way, this is, indeed, a fantastic shot. The legs and feet are really interesting as well as a rarity to see. Background delightful too. Great work but you've now set yourself a near impossible shot to better!
Hi Will, nice one, albeit that I think Jon would prefer the 'bottle' version .
I like the perch and background is a 'killer', but perhaps it needs a bit more below? At that distance you were probably about right on the DoF, or even 5.6? Personally I might have lost the LH stone and the faint rock, is it grass that is overlapping the RH rock at the foot? I might be tempted to burn back some of the white on the legs just to get some more tone there, just a wee bit.
Hi Steve, thanks for that. I'm not sure what this is overlapping. There is lichen on the rock. Being a drystane dyke, as you know, it will have a few things growing on it over time.
Beautiful subject, pose and details William. I prefer the re-post for sure. Well done
Come join me for a Custom Raptor Workshop starting this November 2019- January 2020.
P.M. me to inquire on dates, pricing and availabilities. Thank You. www.davidsalemphotography.com
Red Grouse
Reply With Quote
.
