Painterly Bosque Sandhill Crane

[Amy Marques]

I recently went to Bosque after so many folks have been telling me that it's a "must visit" place. I must say that Bosque certainly is not overrated! Beside the cranes there are plenty of other bird species and wildlife to photograph.



I don't know how or why some images come out looking painterly but I love when they do. This is the only one that turned out with that look from my Bosque trip.



Canon EF 400 f/5.6L USM on 1D Mark III
1/1250s @ f/7.1, ISO 1000
Taken hand held

[Steve Maxson]

There's a lot to like in this image, Amy. The open beak, the flight angle, the wing position, the comp, the soft light, and the sharpness. It must have been one of those cold early mornings because the crane has its legs tucked into its feathers - I saw a lot of that when I was down there. :) My only minor comment is that the eye seems a bit oversaturated. Otherwise, very well done.

[Bonnie Block]

Nice action--great angle and wonderful open beak, Amy.
And one cold crane!:)
I would wish for that upside wing to be a bit higher to leave less shadow-- but that doesn't always happen.

[Ofer Levy]

I think this is a fantastic shot. Pose is great and techs are spot on. Here is a repost with some more room on the sides and slight levels, S/H and boost in contrast. Also applied some cooling filter to get some more of the blue at the BG. Saved as sRGB for web presentation. Would love to hear feedback.
Cheers,
Ofer

[Amy Marques]

Hi Ofer. I think I prefer it with more space as you have it- fortunately I have that extra space available. More contrast is also a good idea but maybe at about midpoint between yours and mine. Somehow your version has something weird going on in with the pixels in the bg. Thanks for taking the time to try improving it.

[Ofer Levy]

Hi Ofer. I think I prefer it with more space as you have it- fortunately I have that extra space available. More contrast is also a good idea but maybe at about midpoint between yours and mine. Somehow your version has something weird going on in with the pixels in the bg. Thanks for taking the time to try improving it.

I am pleased you like it Amy. The 'something weired going on with the pixels in the BG' has nothing to do with my adjustment - it happens when you manipulate such a small file. It will not happen when you work on the RAW file.

[Amy Marques]

Oh, ok. :) Thanks!

[david cramer]

Wonderful pose and great detail, Amy. Congrats. I hope you come back to Bosque!

[Amy Marques]

I will, David- and thanks for the wonderful wild horse experience and warm parka! hee hee hee ~;)

[Arthur Morris]

I prefer the softer, less contrasty look of the original. I love the calling pose and the feet tucked in--it must have been cold. I wish only for a better near wing position.