Wood Stork on White

[Bob Blanchard]

I'm honestly still developing a taste for white birds on white. At least I'm trying to capture them now. A year ago, I wouldn't have even gone out (or stayed out) with skies like today's (today was NOT a nice diffused light, it was a light-sucking cloud cover). However, I did try and work this Wood Stork. It doesn't feel right to me. What would help here?

Canon 1DsMII, 600mm f/4L, f/4, 4/3 EV (set by histogram verification), 1/250, ISO 200, off tripod at ground level.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I really like the light, angle and details. What's not to like?

[Bob Blanchard]

I really like the light, angle and details. What's not to like?

Honestly, to me, I don't feel the connection. I think the technical aspects are OK, but it doesn't draw me to the bird. It feels cold. I'm wishing for some punch and separation between the bird and his environment. I may be overly critical of my own work, and will still put this out there on the market. It just doesn't connect with me like most of my images do. I hope that makes sense?

[Doug Brown]

There's plenty to like in this photo Bob! The only thing that draws my eye away is the dark reflection of the bird. Looks good overall though!

[Rod Wiley]

Very nice exposure Bod

[Bob Blanchard]

I think Doug made a good point here. The reflection was definitely distracting. I played with it just a bit and faded the reflection out significantly, and added 1/3 exposure to the head. I may still need to play with the reflection a bit to get proportions right, but I think the idea is right on. Lightening the head helped too I think:

[Raymond Barlow]

I liked the original Bob, nice image, as good as you could do imo., it might not make the cover, but is still sa cool, and moody shot.