I should really stick this in "out of the box" since I have hardly touch it with Photoshop but then that is how I wanted it to look in the first place. I spot metered off the water so as not to blow it out then adjusted from there to keep the wings from being blurred. Comments?
I don't think it is out of the box...just an overall pleasing image. I wish the BG tree would be placed at right instead of the left so most of the flying birds would be past it. If you have it I would add a bit of canvas at right in order to prevent those birds at the edge being cut. Beautiful image, and I'm sure the mood depicted is close to what you saw. well done! :-)
This is my opinion and I could be wrong and I truly hope I am. The Bosque is in trouble -mismanaged, underfunded, and a lack of passion. Corn fields were only half planted last year and so they ran out of food, no reserve food and ponds not filled at the right time -most not even filled. The employees speed around as if they are the only ones -they scare the birds more than the photographers. I for one will volunteer a lot time there this year (summer and fall). Maybe if they see photographers willing to help they will work with us and make the Bosque Del Apache the Best place in the World.
Oops I rambled on -sorry!
Wow I love your passion Gary and I agree with you. Bosque is a dream come true and it would be an incredible shame to see this place go done hill because of lack of caring. I too would do whatever to help. I always remember asking Alfred what is favorite place was and he said "Bosque". Then I did not know it but since having gone for the past two years I totally understand his sentiments. Love your image Gary and the beautiful mood you captured in this one.
As for Bosque itself I've never been there so it always sounds like a wonderful, mysterious place. The wonderful images that I've seen posted from there continue to call me. Perhaps someday. :)
As most of you might guess, I agree on all counts. I am working on getting a volunteer group out there in mid-SEPT 2008. All seriosly interested can e-mail me at birdsasart@att.net
As for the image, merges and bird cut off by the frame edge (as on the right here) are image killers, but only 100% of the time. later and love, artie
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I love the painterly feel to the image. The cut off birds at the right side detract, but the position of the tree makes a crop difficult since the tree will then be centered. Still, that is the way I would go.
Bosque del Apache NM
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