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Thread: Red Grouse

  1. #1
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default Red Grouse

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    Just to take a break from the previous postings.

    Towards the end of last year I thought I would just take a drive out to see what the local Red Grouse were doing, how many were around after the shooting season started and if they were clearing/burning the habitat to generate new growth. I could hear one was close by and then his guy popped up, sadly feet buried in the springy heather.

    Thanks to those who commented or viewed the last posting.

    Steve

    Subject: Red Grouse (M) (Lagopus lagopus)
    Location: UK
    Camera: Canon EOS R5
    Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4x III. HH
    Exposure: 1/2000s at f/8 ISO1250
    Original format: Portrait, FF width, slight crop at the top
    Processed via: LRCC 10.5 & PSCC 22.5.1
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    I know folk will not like the shadow of the grasses on the chest, so...
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Well captured Steve....It is looking good....what a pose...Very nice detail on the bird and it looks like the light was almost perfect...With the shadows, I suppose it's a matter of taste....On this frame the shadows actually add..for me...it looks more natural.....But if you had posted the frame with the shadows removed first , I would never have known, and it wouldn't change my opinion overall........I can see ....on some images, where shadows can be a distraction......but not here.....The Red Grouse on my patch have dropped dramatically during the past couple of years.....

    Great POV

    Will

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    Hi Steve, I like the first image as posted with the shadows. With the shadows removed one who is knowledgeable seeing the angle of light would wonder why there were not shadows. Post processing spot on as usual. Love the scene, thank you for sharing.
    Last edited by Joseph Przybyla; 02-07-2022 at 03:08 PM.
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

    www.amazinglight.smugmug.com

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Cheers Will, numbers are still OK, but tend to stay now in one location, but what was surprising was that in June there was an abundance of Curlew which I've not seen for many years.

    Re the shadows, well I guess we are used to seeing them, but I'm second guessing on the feedback.

    Hope things are OK, not seen you for a while, looks like you may have had a little dusting recently?
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Cheers Joe.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Steve ... i am 100 % with Joe here . Shadows should stay ....
    Other than that , love the overall intense and deep colors ... LOVELY .... but would keep an eye on the blues inside the subject , I would reduce them .
    Super cool pose , stunning details and top notch sharpness .... just how it should be or look like .

    Good to see the other " distractions " on the LHS as viewed .... resulting in a " lively" BG , rather than a super smooth single colored BG .

    TFS Andreas

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Good to see the other " distractions " on the LHS as viewed .... resulting in a " lively" BG , rather than a super smooth single colored BG .
    LOL Andreas, I do try to keep the images as close to 'as captured', just thought I would provide an option, the manipulation is easy and in two mins done, so no bid deal. Thanks.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Lol, I'll be the one going against the grain and prefer the no shadow version. I do like the "springy heather" floor, hidden feet and all. Good call on the vertical. I also like that you removed the pale oof fg area at the extreme bottom right corner. Beautiful rich colours throughout.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    ‘There is always one Dan,’

    So, my question is: Is it because it shows the subject in better light, more natural and the shadows are just to distracting, they draw the eye? Be good to know as I’m personally 50/50, but may help others Dan.

    As I took the shadows out I did do a little cosmetic tweaking as you saw, good spot.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    I am fine with the shadows, but I do like the version without them a tiny bit better. Was there more distracting elements on the left? Just wondering why the center comp? I might have placed him a bit off center, but I still like it either way.

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Hey Steve, to answer your question, the shadows are too distracting. Quite subjective of course as I most don't mind them. They are by no means an image killer in this case, just a preference on my part.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hey Steve, to answer your question, the shadows are too distracting. Quite subjective of course as I most don't mind them. They are by no means an image killer in this case, just a preference on my part.
    Cheers Dan, just though it would be helpful to clarify and the thinking, perhaps something for folk to look at in future images within the Avian community.

    Hope you have got to grips with the R6, big departure from the beloved 7D2 (RIP), but the advancements are just oh so good. If you use Back Button, then I hope you have maximised those three buttons for AF.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    The R6 rocks!

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Was there more distracting elements on the left? Just wondering why the center comp? I might have placed him a bit off center,
    Yes there were Kurt, no particular reason for a more central position, perhaps the FP dictated, compared to a mirrorless body, however going to a 4x3 would answer your concerns.



    The R6 rocks!
    Don't look at the R3!!!!
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Cheers Will, numbers are still OK, but tend to stay now in one location, but what was surprising was that in June there was an abundance of Curlew which I've not seen for many years.

    Re the shadows, well I guess we are used to seeing them, but I'm second guessing on the feedback.

    Hope things are OK, not seen you for a while, looks like you may have had a little dusting recently?
    Good new about the Curlews.....not really getting a lot of Snow here ....Up north, Cairngorm is...maybe try and get a week booked on one of the west coast islands March/April time.....I've been invited to Albania in the summer.....that should be good.... All Bird Photographers and the locals will take us to best locations....

    Will

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Curlews all gone now, but let’s see for later in the year.

    Albania, not a location I know at all Will, just make sure you get all your documents correct and up to date and check baggage allowance for your kit. Plus take your laptop and two ex HD, download every day and mirror the two HD.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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