TRUMPETER SWANS

[gary ellwein]

Trumpeters are year around residents in the greater Yellowstone area. We also get a significant population of migrating Tundra Swans in the early spring. This image was obtained about three weeks ago. Early AM shot with front lighting. Nikon D200, Nikkor 200-400mm, 220mm, f8, 1/1000, iso 400, matrix metering, aperature priority, tripod. Was undecided how much to crop at the bottom. Felt including some marsh was important.

[Tom Graham]

Really like the composition and BG.
Would crop a little off RHS. Increase contrast and brighten some to taste.
Maybe even flip left-to-riight.
Tom

[Dave Mills]

Hi Gary, nice formation,lighting and wing positions of the swans. I would also agree about taking some off the RHS to better balance the image. I would crop out the grass line on the bottom. The image looks like it could use some CW rotation. Nice image!

[Julie Brown]

Gary, I just started trying BIF myself, but I will tell you what I like about the image. You have good separation of the three birds; I like the direction of the light and the wing positions; the foreground and background show the environment nicely.

I agree with the cropping and CW rotation suggestions offered by Tom and Dave. How fun to be able to photograph these birds. Let's see some more!:)

[Alfred Forns]

Agree with comments Like the separation and what a back drop for those birds !!! Could only wish to have the top bird a bit higher !! Big Congrats on this one !!!

[gary ellwein]

Thanks for prompt response. Will try the suggestions. As for CW rotation, the image reflects the lay of the land.
Gary

[gary ellwein]

I like the image with suggested corrections. Less is better. Thanks to all, Gary

[gary ellwein]

flipped, cool

[Lance Peters]

Hi Gary - agree with the above comments and love the background.
In regards to the CW rotation - even tough the image reflects the lay of the land - our eyes see in 3 dimensions - were with the camera only see's a 2 dimensional view - hence standing if front of this scene viewing it with your eye's the horizon line does being at a angle does not bother you - transform that to a flat 2 dimensional image and it all of a sudden becomes very obvious.
Just - IMHO:)

[Ricardo Rodriguez]

The cropped version (unflipped, for my taste) is a great improvement, Gary. As a bonus, the fantastic mountains are relatively more prominent now. Also, the straightened land horizon now conforms well with the rule of thirds. Very nice!

[gary ellwein]

Hi Gary - agree with the above comments and love the background.
In regards to the CW rotation - even tough the image reflects the lay of the land - our eyes see in 3 dimensions - were with the camera only see's a 2 dimensional view - hence standing if front of this scene viewing it with your eye's the horizon line does being at a angle does not bother you - transform that to a flat 2 dimensional image and it all of a sudden becomes very obvious.
Just - IMHO:)

Your right, thanks Gary

[Bob Miller]

Hey Gary!.......You nailed the repost! Great shot!