I'm usually one the first to point out head angle issues, and I proudly wear the HAP uniform too...but this time I'm the one being investigated:) I have a case to plead: from any other angle we would not be able to clearly see this Ruddy Turnstone's behaviour of inserting his bill into crevices in search of food - almost as if we were right there side-by-side with it watching this happen (does that make sense?). I must admit I am torn on the image, more than any other I've taken...but it still attracted to it. Does it work for you?
Taken early morning at Estero Lagoon in February. this guy came so close that this image is at minimum focussing distance (which is 5-6 feet with my lens). I was physically slowly rocking slightly back and forth to attain critical focus on the eye.
Canon 40D + 100-400L @400mm, aperure priority, evaluative metering, 1/800s., f/7.1, ISO 500, no EC, natural light, handheld, very slight crop left and top.
This works for me all the way, as you are showing us in his enviroment and the way he operates to feed himself. Great behavioural image Daniel, and thanks for sharing. BTW, pin sharp on the beak.
For the subject in question the head angle is correct. You could course gone to the other side got a good head angle but no beak let alone behaviour explanation.
To me this is an action shot not a portrait and a very interesting one at that.
I think this photo works. It is more of these kinds of pictures that I would like to see on BPN and not just the beautiful bird, with perfect HA and perfect BG.
This picture tells a story. You have the environment. You have the behavior/action. You have captured the catchlight in the eye. The species of the bird is still evident. Not only does this picture tell a story, but it also educates the viewing membership. I give it a thumbs up!
Agree with Marina, it is capturing a behaviour. Don't think they all have to have perfect HA's. I get drawn in by what the bird is doing rather than how pretty they look. But if you need a PASS to get out of jail, I have plenty available. Colour, and sharpness, compo, all look great to me Daniel. I think anyone viewing the picture would know the bird is hunting.
what did i read here in the last few days, "better a noisy image than a blurry one"? in this case i would think better a not so great head angle than no image of this type.
I like it as is as I think of it as more of an environmental and behavior image. It almost has a "first person" feel to it ... similar to the "nature cams" being attached to various animals. I also like all the texture, which adds to the feel.
I am good with the angle, the object of this picture was to show behaviour, which it clearly does. Some behaviours can be shown with a better head angle, this one couldn't.
I agree with Dave Barnes about the rock being too dominant. You need it for the story, but it is so strong. I don't think a pano would work. I might try cropping in a bit from the right. perhaps eliminating 40% or the rock or so.
I also echo previous comments about wishing to see more habitat, behavior and less of the picture perfect images with the sterile looks that I do appreciate, but feel eventually many start to look alike. I feel this is a really great example of what is possible with careful framing, thinking of the subject and its relativity within its living environment. Let's all strive to create more of THIS and less of THAT. (you know what I mean by THAT!)
HAP alert! HAP alert! Turnstone foraging.
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