Philip, Since you live there and can go for it again, and on the Hooptie with Darth, trash it. Keep your vision and already high standard where it is. The blue line and the green shore bumping the head, kill this one, to me. :)
An example; my spoonie imaged at Echo pond had the sticky brown background just enough to be an issue. Had I stood up the spoonie would have flown away, but it also might have not, resulting in my getting a better image with no stick background and a cleaner wing flap image. But...since I do not live there and can go anytime I wanted too, like you can, I kept it, and probably will print it for my own viewing. It would not be a big seller, so showing it off for others or taking it to a show would be pointless. You live there and can go anytime you wish, to a degree. And having access to Darth and the Hooptie, you can get out in the midst of the pretty ones with lots of choices. So waiting for the right shot is to me your better option. From what I have seen of your work, you wont have to wait long.
I added this part to my reply so all Will know why I said this. Not to criticize or be harsh; just giving my opinion as asked. Too many times we all keep images that are less than ideal. And most of the time we can go back for a better image without too much trouble. I have found that when we slow ourselves down and think it all over, we get better results. Focus on the subject one species at a time till you get what you want, if at all possible. You do not have to throw everything away just because it is not perfect. there is no perfect image, some are close, but not perfect. Just an added thought Philip.
Say hi to dad and James for me.
Last edited by Grady Weed; 03-06-2009 at 10:56 AM.
Reason: To clarify my thoughts.
It is a nice image, love the wing,head and foot position. Yes the background is an issue. I personally would have trouble trashing it, but probably wouldn't print it either. I do get enjoyment out of less than perfect images, esp. if they remind me of a particular day or outing.
Thanks for posting this pretty spoonie. I hope to be out there in about two weeks with James.
If there's room for me on the boat I might get a second chance tomorrow...I appreciate the honesty and there was no offense taken. It's a great motivation to work hard next time and make the shot happen. I'll tell my pops you said hi!
Last edited by Philip Pietri; 03-06-2009 at 11:22 AM.
Great lift-off pose, eye contact, and sharpness. If you don't have an ethical problem with cloning, it's easy to remove the green area above the bird. If that's not your thing, there's always tomorrow!
IMO Grady's image had a few more problems than Philip's and was not a good comparison.
The technicals all look good and the timing is top shelf.
You have a beautiful specimen and the eye contact is a huge bonus.
You could sell this image as is to many outlets.
For a print or if presented as an art image the green so close to the head is a problem.
For a print or presentation with disclosure, keep this image and add blue.
These images are not that easy to capture. Tide, wind and timing are all factors.
That's a keeper for sure, Phelpael. Cropping out the green and stretching the blue would definitely make it a treasure. If you don't feel like doing all of that, get out there and do it again. But always keep an image like this until you've got something better.
What do you think?
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