Theme: The Dance

[Brian Sump]

Again, pushing my comfort zone as well as creative boundaries I sought out some rim lit frames during Avocet mating season and chose to edit this one.

Nothing cloned or altered in the spirit of practicing competition photography. I chose this crop in order to preserve the reflection as it relates to the "Light" theme but I'm sure there will be opinions on it. All are welcomed...

Canon R5
600mm
Handheld
ISO 1000
1/2000
f4

LR and PS, DN selectively.

[Wayne Niz]

Work of Art, stunning absolutely stunning, thats the type of picture that is truly memorable in my view. Well done Brian, dont think you pushing your comfort zone you seem very comfortable with more artistic images.

[kevin Hice]

Yes you nailed this one Brian just beautiful. I am also looking at light differently. I hope to come across some chances like this. I can't go on enough how great this is. After seeing some of Georgina Steytler images on Artie's sight it opened my eyes some. What makes this so great are the avocets dancing with the light.
Wing light reflection in the water on the dark background. Just over the top for me. TFS Brian sent u a email.

[arash_hazeghi]

Backlit images usually don't work for me but I do like the back light and the flare effect here matched beautifully with the courtship interaction. The WB is struggling a bit with almost pink tones on the chest of the avocet visible on my screen. I like the stretched wing on the right bird but wish the left one had also stretched its wings for a more dynamic pose, pity its beak is almost lost in the BG. I fine the bright band on the water a bit distracting but it is hard to avoid. I think a more intense interaction can take a shot like this to the next level. It's always good to try new things.

TFS

[gail bisson]

This is super! I hope you submitted this one!
I love the backlit wing and the poses.
Great reflection of light on the water. You nailed this one!

[Kurt Bowman]

Love the outstretched backlit wing Brian! Great pose as well. Excellent job my friend!

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Brian ... what a great scenario captured .
You did really well under the given lighting scene .
Nicely processed my friend !!!!

A really cracking shot .

Personally I might use a different composition/ crop , going more pano and might add some light into the shadows of the birds .... as an " creative " option .



TFS Andreas

[Bill Dix]

It definitely pays to push the envelope sometimes. Being there to witness this scene is one of those times, and you nailed it. Well done.

[dankearl]

I love the water and the BG more than I love the birds....

[Dorian Anderson]

Something very different, so kudos on that, Brian. I, like Dan, feel the water is the strongest part of the image. I could totally see this hung huge in a gallery, hotel lobby, or even a nightclub.....

[Brian Sump]

Work of Art, stunning absolutely stunning, thats the type of picture that is truly memorable in my view. Well done Brian, dont think you pushing your comfort zone you seem very comfortable with more artistic images.

Wayne, thanks a bunch. The thing I love most is that you found it memorable and acknowledged trying something new. Really appreciate it!

Yes you nailed this one Brian just beautiful. I am also looking at light differently. I hope to come across some chances like this. I can't go on enough how great this is. After seeing some of Georgina Steytler images on Artie's sight it opened my eyes some. What makes this so great are the avocets dancing with the light.
Wing light reflection in the water on the dark background. Just over the top for me. TFS Brian sent u a email.

Kevin, man this means a lot to me. Georgina definitely bucks the trends and I know everyone won't love untraditional shots but I sure do as well. Can't thank you enough!

PS - never got an email from you :-/

Backlit images usually don't work for me but I do like the back light and the flare effect here matched beautifully with the courtship interaction. The WB is struggling a bit with almost pink tones on the chest of the avocet visible on my screen. I like the stretched wing on the right bird but wish the left one had also stretched its wings for a more dynamic pose, pity its beak is almost lost in the BG. I fine the bright band on the water a bit distracting but it is hard to avoid. I think a more intense interaction can take a shot like this to the next level. It's always good to try new things.

TFS

Arash, funny. I thought to myself, if Arash posts he will definitely comment about having both wings. And I totally agree, that would have been awesome. For now, will have to try and appreciate the asymmetrical aspects of Avian photography ;-)

Spent lots of time with the WB and landed here. Finding backlit shots are not quite as straightforward as traditionally lit ones.

Thanks for your comments.

This is super! I hope you submitted this one!
I love the backlit wing and the poses.
Great reflection of light on the water. You nailed this one!

Gail, very meaningful thank you. Yes, I did get it submitted but not expecting much.

Love the outstretched backlit wing Brian! Great pose as well. Excellent job my friend!

Kurt, you da man. Thanks as always for your encouragement!

Hi Brian ... what a great scenario captured .
You did really well under the given lighting scene .
Nicely processed my friend !!!!

A really cracking shot .

Personally I might use a different composition/ crop , going more pano and might add some light into the shadows of the birds .... as an " creative " option .



TFS Andreas

Andreas, I can always count on you for a lift in spirits! I've learned "cracking" is a good thing lol

For sure on the comp, I do agree. As mentioned, decided to leave it like this for the reflection but my eyes want more pano too!

It definitely pays to push the envelope sometimes. Being there to witness this scene is one of those times, and you nailed it. Well done.

Bill, it's hard to do and harder to come up with something worth viewing. But I take confidence in your acknowledgement and kind words. Thanks so much!

I love the water and the BG more than I love the birds....

Alrighty, thanks Dan.

Something very different, so kudos on that, Brian. I, like Dan, feel the water is the strongest part of the image. I could totally see this hung huge in a gallery, hotel lobby, or even a nightclub.....

Sorry you didn't love the interaction as much as I did. But I must say, that's a very creative idea and I might take your advice on creating something for the art wall in our dining room. Thanks Dorian.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Absolutely beautiful, that's just got to be one for the wall.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Brian .... and Jon , I can only echo Jon´s words . Well worth to visit again and enjoy the beauty of this image !!!!

[John Mack]

I do like images with side/back light. It gives more depth,dimension and texture in my opnion. Seeing everything shoot with front light does become boring after awhile. The glow on the wing is great. The avocets do stand out nicely against the dark foreground/background.

[Arthur Morris]

I like this one a whole lot. The backlight works great with dark or black BKGRs. I like the tiny bit of backlight at the base of the male's bill. These are very difficult to pull off as you try to bring up some detail on the shadowed side. I've been so long without a flash, that I almost forget how effective then can be for this type of image ... When I am in such situations I find myself wishing that I could blast away with the flash ...

with love, artie