Swan, camera-shy...

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi everyone,
I found this one in my files last night - look forward to your thoughts...:)
400D 100-400 @ 400
ISO 200
AV F10 1/2500 sec
Many thanks as always,
Best regards to all,
Nicki
Converted to B/W, levels, sharpened.
PS When I was looking through some of my early DSLR efforts from late last year I was just horrified at how bad some of them were...:(:eek:...oh well, at least I can tell that I've improved...I hope...:cool::D

[Nonda Surratt]

I love this one Niki! Love the gradients, if I'm saying this right, of the feathers, ok shades of B&W would be better

[carole wiley]

Love the texture in the feathers Nicki. I think I am bothered by the angle though, my eye is drawn to what I think is the breast of the bird...on the right, looks like a big bump. Maybe a different kind of crop, eliminating that altogether would work. I like the B&W

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Love your compositions on these images Nicki. Excellent details and contrast.
Regards,

[Alfred Forns]

Love it Nicki Not sure why but the first thing I saw when opening is ..... cut some from the bottom? Not sure why but was a immediate and strong reaction !!!

Lots of mood and sure do like the eye !!! Find he lighter feathers on the right a little out of place, would darken a bit !!!

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi folks,
Many thanks for your kind comments and feedback.
Al, I've taken a little off the bottom and have tried to work on the bright area on the right. Please let me know what you think!
Regards,
Nicki

On reflection I'm not sure that I like what I've done to the bit on the right...:(

[Katie Rupp]

Nicki, I like the repost and would take even a bit more off the bottom.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Katie,
How about this?
Regards,
Nicki

[Harold Davis]

i like the first repost better. it just feels better to me! nice looking bird. i like the way you toned down the whites on the right of the bird!!

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Harold, I think I agree with you!

[Lance Peters]

Hi Nicki - another vote for the first repost - nicely done :)

[Katie Rupp]

For me, I'd like to see it cropped just enough to eliminate that one horizontal feather. It keeps drawing my eye. The image is dramatic and your exposure technique is excellent, again!

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Nicki I would go for an in between the first and second repost !!! Sure looks good and do like the tonal enhancements !!!!!

[Gus Cobos]

Lady Nicki,
I love it. This is one bird with alot of character. The contrast and tones in the whites are balance; displaying great detail and razor sharp feathers. I love the eye contact and facial expression...very well composed...congrats...:cool: