Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Great Egret - Breaking The Rules

  1. #1
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Corning, NY
    Posts
    2,507
    Threads
    208
    Thank You Posts

    Default Great Egret - Breaking The Rules

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    I know that when making avian images we are supposed to have the light at our backs so the bird is front lit. However, sometimes this just isn't possible. This is an image I made that has strong back/side light. However, I like the glow created and the BG presented.

    What do you think?

    1DMK2 with 500 f4. Evaluative metering at ISO 500 with EV - 2/3 and f 5 with 1/1600. Slight crop.

    Thanks for looking. All comments most welcome.

  2. #2
    Maxis Gamez
    Guest

    Default

    Hi Ed,

    The composition works for me very well. You did well with the situation. I would remove whatever is splashing next to your signature....

  3. #3
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Ukiah, Calif
    Posts
    355
    Threads
    67
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I share your dilemma Ed! It just isn't always possible to get the perfect conditions. I'm getting a little more selective, but when I get this close to a Great Egret I get excited and make images that I know will be flawed, but that's why I haven't given up my day job:D:o!!! I like the comp, and back-lit highlights of your picture..looks like a spider web that Maxis was talking about next to your sig..

    Cheers,

    Bruce
    Last edited by Bruce Gove; 04-02-2009 at 02:04 AM.

  4. #4
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Corning, NY
    Posts
    2,507
    Threads
    208
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks for the comments Maxis and Bruce. Yes, it is a spider web. Removing it would be easy, but I thought it was kind of cool there along with the feather. Maybe not though?

  5. #5
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    SW Michigan
    Posts
    14,112
    Threads
    820
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Ed:

    I think it works pretty well. There was enough ambient light to show the eye well, which is often a problem with backlit images. I wish there was a little more detail in the white on the body, and this is an effect of the lighting. You might be able to bring up a little more with some selective shadow recovery, but it might negate the back lit effect you were after.

    I personally like both the spider web and feather. I just wouldn't put my sig in that same spot!

    Thanks for sharing.

    Randy

  6. #6
    Lifetime Member Marina Scarr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    10,347
    Threads
    403
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    You did well with exposure on this backlit subject. I find the composition and environment pleasing. I think the spider web and feather add interest to the picture; however, I would move your signature maybe to upper right hand corner in order to make the spider web more obvious.
    Marina Scarr
    Florida Master Naturalist
    Website, Facebook

  7. #7
    Lowell Sims
    Guest

    Default

    You did a great job with the conditions you had to work with. I like the spider web, just move sig.

  8. #8
    Alfred Forns
    Guest

    Default

    Excellent Ed !!! Very creative and did well with the exposure .. the light coming through the bill just takes it over the top. Also like how you positioned yourself for framing the bird against the bg Just fine as presented !!! Big Congrats !!!

  9. #9
    Fabs Forns
    Guest

    Default

    I love rim light and use it a every opportunity, especially with big waders. Sometimes their bill just glow with the back light.

    Another vote to keep the web and feather, signature issue discussed.
    Kudos for trying something outside your comfort zone.

  10. #10
    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Indian Lake Estates, FL
    Posts
    32,506
    Threads
    1,433
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    But for two many small branches on the log, this is superb. Do not take very rule or guideline so seriously. Folks are missing the point of "point your shadow at the subject." If you are working with the sun behind you, then you need to have your shadow pointed within 15 degrees of the bird. The stronger the light, the more I want to be right on light angle. I have nothing against backlight which is pretty much what you have here (though a bit from the left side.)

    When working frontlit, I suggest that the sun, you, and the subject be on the same line, in that order. When doing backlit of silhouetted images, is should be you, the subject, and the sun on the same line in that order. Think about it.
    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,

    E-mail me at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.










  11. #11
    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Indian Lake Estates, FL
    Posts
    32,506
    Threads
    1,433
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    ps: I like the (obvious) spider web and the feather which looks like a fishbone.
    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,

    E-mail me at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.










  12. #12
    IOTY Winner 2009 Mark Dumbleton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Johannesburg, South Africa
    Posts
    589
    Threads
    14
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Breaking rules/guidelines can result in some super images, and this is one example.
    Great backlighting on the white bird, and you have done well with the exposure!

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