I captured the male and female mergansers separately, a minute apart, and experimented with merging the two. They were among my best novice efforts at flight photography prior to buying my longer lens. As a newbie, I have two questions: First, what is considered "acceptable" in this sort of hand-of-man exercise, both on this forum and in the field of avian photography generally. Does this sort of montage cross the line? And Second, if not, does this image work? The light was harsh, and I may have oversharpened the female in an attempt to correct the oof; but I like having the pair together.
D70 with 18-200 mm at 200 mm. ISO 800, 1/2000 at F/5.6, matrix metering, Ap priority, slight exp. correction in Raw transfer; selective sharpening and saturation adjustments, Topaz.
Mergs in flight always deserve a pat on the back! Does it cross the line? I think as long as there is disclosure that you did combine the two images it doesn't bother me.
I agree with Nonda. If disclosed and the environment is not substantially altered, it might be categorized as a partnership in both art & photography (just my opinion, not representing the forum).
BIF can be challenging, this is much better than my novice attempts, you demonstrate good techniques and the picture is good. Shadows can be difficult in these cases and a few spots might be a tad hot. Overall a good image, to do this well with such a challenging shot is impressive. If possible, always try and get life in the eye, denise once told me, if the eye is clean, sharp and alive the picture will be much stronger - nice work.
As long as you disclose that you combined two images I don't see a problem, either. It is great to have both female and male in flight, the angle is quite steep, though.
Hi Bill, Both of my parents grew up in Princeton-Nice to have another NJ member! I also don't think there is anything wrong w/ a photomerge as long as it is disclosed. Good advice already given!
Hi Bill, nice execution and good idea to composite. I see no issue with the image as disclosed and in fact I like it a lot! Just the slightest bit of compositing artifacts around the edges of the male. I assume that the male was dropped into the shot of the female? Good show!
Photomontage ethics?
