This is the second image submitted from a series I took of these very co-operative birds.
I tried to take some in vertical as well as horizontal, and this is one of the best in the vertical format.
That said I am still not entirely happy with this image for some reason (despite processing it a number of different ways in Photoshop), I just think it looks a little flat.
Please tell me what you think,
Julian.
20D, 400mm 5.6 + 56mm of extension tubes (due to closeness of the bird)
1/250 sec, f/ 5.6, ISO 200, Full frame
Last edited by Julian Mole; 09-06-2009 at 10:22 AM.
I like the exposure techs, nice detail for 1/250. Does seem to need some sat or contrast, back feathers are a bit dull and of course the head angle police will ticket you for a minor infraction, slight look away from lens. Crop is different (partial body shot), let's see what others say. Nice job with tubes and using the 400MM to capture the image, I like the ISO selection and great eye - well done.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 09-06-2009 at 01:46 PM.
You did find a cooperative bird !!! I like the overall feel and good bg !! Low angle images are special, crop works very well for me Contrast wise is not bad at all but you could add a couple of points of neutral and black in selective color !!!
Hi Julian,
I like the close up pose and ultra low capture. The color rendition is very good with fine sharp details and a crystal sharp eye, the head angle already covered...looking forward to your next one...:cool:
Thank you for your feedback, it is very much appreciated.
I guess Jeff managed to nail what was bothering me about this image; it's that the eye contact isn't strong enough. That's a shame because I felt there's a lot right in this image, but I suppose that is what makes the difference between a good image and an excellent one.
True, but rules are to be broken and once you know them, you can bend them from time to time. Let's say this guy is thinking and I believe birds do have destinies like humans. Then, why can't he be looking away in thought.
If the image were mine, I would print it and frame it. The look on his/her face is beautiful, no matter what the rules are. The photographer controls the image, what we are to see. I see plenty in this picture - this is beautiful baby.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 09-06-2009 at 04:11 PM.
PS. It's funny isn't it (that I should think this image isn't quite right because the bird isn't making good eye contact) because last weekend I had a go at photographing Windsurfers, and when I reviewed the images at home I immediately discounted all the shots where the guy was looking straight at me!! :D
A close encounter with Dunlin, 2
