I'm still working on getting images set to the proper size for this forum.
This turkey image was shot this winter during a snowstorm. It was part of a large flock so it was difficult to single one bird out.
Location is in the coastal range near Willits, Ca
Do you think I should have used a higher ISO and shutter speed or do you like the effect of the snow being slightly streaked? The one flake on the neck bugs me.
Canon 10 D
EF 70 -300 @ 110mm
ISO 100
RAW
1/90th@ f4.5
Chris, this image has a lot of character. I am cold just looking at it. I live in Maine and have gone out early morning in blinding snow to sit for hours in a snow blind to wait for turkeys to come to me, as close as 4 feet. this image says you did that. I see a lot of good things and some tweaks needed, But don't throw it out! I like the tall framing as it adds to the far away but close feel. That could go either way. Snow falling can be tricky. Your self assessment is spot on. More shutter speed would have been nice. but you want some to be blurred to give a falling effect. you can clone the big chunk on the neck and fix that one, if your ethics will let you. The tail is somewhat close to the left side of the frame. Not much you can do there. the color contrast is a killer bonus. Love the brown of the bird and the white with muted greenery.
Lots to like and lots to fix. Keep it, print and frame it, then go make another one, better one. And never give up!
Hi Chris, I like the snow as is. I'd use the patch tool to get rid of the flake in his chest if you are OK with it and know how. As Grady mentions, more room on the left would have been better. Looking forward to more.
Melt the snow flake and add canvas by the tail !!!!
Removed the flake as suggested by Fabs, then added the little canvas at the rear and while I was at it a little in front for the bird to move into. Tiny curves adj and color balance tweak. I like it a lot Lots of feel .. that bird does not look to be a happy camper !!!!
The one thing I can say in regards to your ISO question is that you are pushing the limits of bird photography with such low SS at ISO100 in these conditions. I am sure that viewed at full size your images of this scene are not sharp as you would want them, (at least not on a consistant basis, right?) I personally don't remember the last time I had ISO 100 for birds...even in brighter conditions. Bump it up and your keeper rate will go up.
With record breaking snowfalls we experienced this past winter the last thing I wante to see is a winter scene!! Just kidding, I like the mood you got here :-)
I just got back from vacation and I had forgotten I had submitted it the day I left. I enjoyed reading all the input I got on this image. I heartily agree with the suggestions of adding more room at the tail and patching or cloning the flake out on the neck. Alfred the image is much improved with the changes you made. Thanks for the ideas and help.