Photographed in early morning light in eucalypt woodland.
Canon 40D, EF500 f/4, tripod, ISO400, f/7.1, 1/800, Vertical crop from horizontal. I used the select highlights/multiply technique learned here to tone down and extract detail in the paler areas in front of the wing.
I like the contrast between the warm lighting on the bird and the cool dark BG - only niggle is that the shape of the beak is getting lost against the BG. Interesting pose for a honeyeater- the intense stare and head forward posture makes it looks like a raptor hunting from a perch
Simon, I like it. I'm partial to dramatic light like this with darkish backgrounds, and I think it works well here. My only suggestion would have been for a bit more depth of field. Since you were shooting at a good shutter speed and working with what appears to be a distant background, I think you probably could have pulled off f9 or so to bring the tail feathers in sharp focus without dropping the shutter speed too low or bringing the background too much into focus.
Interesting bird and light. Would like to have seen the bird's head turned a bitmore toward you.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Fuscous Honeyeater
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote