I took this about a month ago, near Chico CA in a flooded rice field. What made it so surreal for me is that you could hear hundreds of birds, but could only see a handful.
Canon 40D, 1-400mm IS, 1/500 of a second @ f13(to be honest, I have no idea why I went w/ f13, I don't think there was much need for depth of field on this one.
Must have been great to have heard them. Levels and Curves ADJs would have reduced the dingy look. The big problem is that so many birds are merged with the main subject, the flapping swan. Next time strive to make an image with the wings fully raised.
later adn love, artie
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I like the serene feel that this foggy scene evokes. Your description makes it sound like a beautiful experience. You did a great job keeping the bottom of the frame clean. I would be tempted to clone out the dark weed tips since they take away from the soft monochromatic theme.
Dan
Foggy images can be very interesting. You had the right idea of looking for something different such as the wing flap.....but just not the right composition. Try a lot of different compositions in that type of setting.....patience and experimentation can reward you.