Hi Folks!
Tried to post this on OOTB but it wouldn't seem to let me...:confused::confused:...so it'll just have to go here instead :).
This is one from my visit to Skomer Island a couple of days ago. The weather was TERRIBLE, as only a summer's day in the UK can be...:eek::eek::D . We were fortunate to get onto the island at all as the boat had not sailed for the two days previously and there were people who had been stuck there during that time. I should tell you that there are no facilities whatsoever on the island - basic shelter but no food or water - you have to carry on everything that you think you will need!!! You can stay a couple of nights there but you must book months in advance as only a handful are allowed to stay at any one time. They only allow about 150 people on the island a day, so as you can imagine this is a very special place. Whilst on the island you must stick to the footpaths as there are nesting burrows everywhere - this is a site of world importance for nesting seabirds. At times you can get really close to the puffins - they walk right past you at times if their burrows are across the footpath. The wardens are on hand to move people out of the way as the birds get confused if they can't find their regular routes!! This makes for challenging photographic conditions as the birds are often just too close, but if you stand back the chances are that your view will be blocked by someone with a cell-phone camera....
Anyway, I hope that you enjoy this little fellow - please bear with me as I know that this really belongs in OOTB (couldn't find an upload icon:confused::o).
40D 100-400 @310mm
ISO 400
AV F8 1/250 sec
No exp comp
Flash on - this is a new one for me!!
Converted to B/W then added sepia tint. Minimal dodging/burning around the head. (P/S elements 6)
Regards to all,
Nicki
very cool treatment. my only point will be that i wish there was a little more separation in the color spectrum between the bg and the white of the breast. the bg in that area gets lighter and if had stayed the same as the rest, it would have been a lot better. you maybe could tone down that area. other than that, i like it!
Very interesting image. I agree with Harold that a bit more contrast between bird and background might help. I think the 'foggy' effect works very well; wonder what it would look like in color??
Well done
Gail
Nicki, I'm undecided about this one and I think its because I am so entranced by the color of puffins. So sorry the weather was bad for you and thanks for the great description, I felt like I was there.
Hi Nicki I would prefer to enhance the cotrast and could still have a high key bg !!! I really think this images are totally dependant on local contrats to make them pop !!!
bg wise it is tough having a lighter bg than subject since it tends to attract atteting big time !!! Would love to be in that Island, can't imagine being too close !!!
OOTB Puffin....
