Red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica)

[Jonathan Ashton]

Not the usual post for Red grouse, as might be expected I took a number of images with differing exposure values due to the awkward light which I found appealing, I have no doubt a number of people will not find it so. Anyhow be that as it may, I have produced a number of differing versions but I think this one conveys the scene as I recall it. The comb was a little tricky but I don't think is too far out. I would appreciate your critique as always. The image was captured in the North Yorkshire moors, I was in my car.
Olympus E-M1X
Focal Length : 420.0mm
Focal length in 35 mm film : 841.0mm
Exposure mode : Manual exposure
ISO Sensitivity : 500
Exposure compensation : -1.3 EV
Shutter : 1/1000 sec
Aperture : F5.6

ACR/PSCC

[Arthur Morris]

You are correct sir. The lighting here is quite unappealing to me. Though I do not mind the backlight on the plant.

with love, artie

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hey Jon .... lovely " peeping through the heather" shot .
But I am not too keen about the overall light and the way you processed this one in terms of light and partially color . For me it is too dark and some blues are creeping into the white feathers .
At least you tried something .... which is great , always exploring . I do love to process difficult images ....

TFS Andreas

[Jonathan Ashton]

Hey Jon .... lovely " peeping through the heather" shot .
But I am not too keen about the overall light and the way you processed this one in terms of light and partially color . For me it is too dark and some blues are creeping into the white feathers .
At least you tried something .... which is great , always exploring . I do love to process difficult images ....

TFS Andreas

Thanks Andreas, I wasn't expecting any great appreciation from anyone on this image, it just took my interest, as mentioned I did process and expose different versions of this scenario, I did make brighter more colourful versions too. I appreciate your feedback, I didn't notice the blue creeping in, I'll keep my eye on this for future images.

[Brian Sump]

Great job trying new things Jon. I feel like we get stuffed in a box sometimes here.

This one just doesn't quite have it IMO. Perhaps playing with bkg exposure (lowering) and trying some rim lighting effects could work.

[Wayne Niz]

I think it is a great pic, I think that the mix of light clearly gives a early/mid morning warmth to the picture. I also like the way the colors in the surrounding shrubs compliment the tone and color of the bird.

[John Mack]

Not something you would usually see on here and that is why I Like it. The framing of the bird in the vegetation is nice. Background works well.