Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Avocet at Dusk (II)

  1. #1
    Jean-Luc Vaillant
    Guest

    Default Avocet at Dusk (II)

    Another example of an avocet after sunset, still experimenting with "unusual" lighting.

    This time (almost breaking my own rules) I used the pinkish reflection of the sky as a background. Did not use flash either (probably should have).

    Beyond obvious composition/technical defects I'd love to get feedback along the line:
    1. stupid idea, stick to nice blue background and direct sunlight
    2. interesting concept, would work great if...
    3. love it as it is

    Thx for taking the time,

    JLuc


    1DmkIII, 500mm + 1.4x, 1/250 @ f5.6, ISO 2500

  2. #2
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    SW Michigan
    Posts
    14,112
    Threads
    820
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Jean-Luc:

    #3 for me. I really like seeing non traditional options.

    I would probably crop out most of the reflection, since it is rather distorted, and doesn't add much to the image for me.

    Again, the light is wonderful, soft, pleasent color in the water.

    It might be interesting to try flash, but it is very easy to ruin the soft light, or start changing the beautiful color here. Maybe at -2 or so,just to introduce a catchlight, but really, I like it as presented, except for the cropping.

    Randy

  3. #3
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Burns, OR
    Posts
    312
    Threads
    18
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    JLuc -
    Good Go.
    Personally I like your idea and where you seem to be headed with it. I don't think it was a stupid idea and personally I encourage you and others to experiment, experiment, experiment.

    I do think you could make the bird "pop" a bit with some more PP. A simple 'S- Curve' can make a big change. Catch light was captured and I enhanced it a bit.

    Curve and two part (light and dark pixel) sharpening-


  4. #4
    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Ottawa, Canada
    Posts
    26,266
    Threads
    3,976
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Bonjour Jean-Luc! Nice to see you posting here :-)

    I'll go with #2. That is: Interesting concept, but would work even better with fill-flash. I love the colour of the water, in this case it is better than regular blue sky. Although the reflection is not very strong it does offer compositional balance and I don't mind it here - but I would reduce the amount of "stretching" in the reflected head to prevent it from touching the edge.

    Kim, I understand what you are trying to achieve with your repost but I believe you have pushed it too much though.

  5. #5
    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Centurion, South Africa
    Posts
    21,360
    Threads
    1,435
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I like the original as captured JL. Its always great to capture pastel colours as you have here, and it is a change from the norm. Congrats, I like this.

  6. #6
    Ákos Lumnitzer
    Guest

    Default

    I totally agree about losing most of that reflection. The idea is great, love the soft light. I feel a processing of between the original and Kim's repost would be ideal for my taste. :) Thanks for posting.

  7. #7
    BPN Viewer Ed Grella's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    119
    Threads
    15
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I also think a very weak fill flash would have enhanced the subject without taking away from the beautiful sky.

  8. #8
    BPN Member Bryan Erb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Mt Holly Springs, PA
    Posts
    164
    Threads
    30
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Pretty nice image as posted. I agree with Daniel, a little fill flash, and a very slight contrast boost. Really like the pastel colors you captured.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics