First of all congratulations to the BPN team for the new forums. They look great, they work great, as I can see they are already very successful and lucky me the staff includes many of my all-time favourite nature photographers : Artie, Fabs, Robert Amoruso, Jeroen Stel, Robert O'Toole, Jasper Doest, etc. Sorry for the long list, and I kept it short :)
So here I am. It's been five years now since my first attempt at bird photography with a Canon 85mm lens - I got a nice shot of a cooperative Chickadee though. I soon realized I needed to educate myself more about the gear and techniques and I purchased Arthur Morris' book The Art of Bird Photography. That was really an excellent book that helped me a lot. I also read forums like crazy - just ask my better half - and I modestly participated in NSN, FM and a few others. I made a few good friends on the way and that was a tremendous learning experience.
When I heard about BPN I immediately jumped into the wagon. Of course I will post some pictures from time to time, but I am also here because I am eager to learn... how to critique! Oh yes and by the way please bear with my English. I am a Belgian living in Quebec but I'll do my best. :D
Enough talking. Here is my very first picture posted here, in fact it is my favourite from 2008. It was a rainy day, I was all alone with the bird and that close encounter lasted for more than an hour. It was simply magical, one of those moments when you say "God life is so beautiful".
Best and see you around,
Philippe.
Canon 20D
EF 300mm f/4L non-IS
Last edited by Philippe Collard; 01-17-2008 at 12:27 PM.
Reason: Replaced image to conform to guidelines
This is a very fine first post. It sounds like a wonderful experience. I like the pose and sharpness of the hawk. Getting it calling is a bonus. The perch is great and the bg is really nice as well. I wish the hawk's head was turned slightly towards you, but that's a minor nit. Congrats!
If this image is any indication, you've come a long way in 5 years! Very beautiful pose, perch and bg, the exposure is right on, and it is sharp. The crop works well, and the calling is a bonus. Wish for just a bit of a head turn, but that is a very minor nit. It is lovely.
It may be your first image, but you have been participating in critique, which is fantastique ;)
Great impact in the image, nice framing and perch and good background. Obviously he's not calling to you, so that excuses the head turn for me.
I love the eye the green reflect in his eyes, very cool!!