HMWYBS - In-camera...Soft Landing

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Everyone,
I took this image at Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve in Yorkshire, England, a couple of months ago and it has become one of my favourites. It started life as a horizontal, but I liked the feeling of the gannet dropping out of the sky on to his friend (who doesn't look too bothered ;)) so this is why I chose this crop. Can't post it in Avian as they'd have a cow , but thought that you folks might get it...:D
I was experimenting with slower shutter speeds and loved the softness that this produced in the feathers. I was trying to achieve an in-camera ethereal look - which was pretty much how I was feeling at that hour of the morning...
1D 3 300 f/2.8 + 1.4 TC
ISO 100
f/ 5.6 1/200
Exp comp @ + 2 1/3
Apart from the drastic crop, PP consisted of levels, curves, sharpening and a little minor cloning in the LRC.
Look forward to your C & C's.
Best to all,
Nicki

[denise ippolito]

One of my new favorite of yours! I like the unique crop choice here. The pose and details are great!!

[Indranil Sircar]

Beautiful composition, Nicki. Love the pose and the details. Interesting choice of crop and I think it works. TFS.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Thank you Denise and Indranil :)

[Judy Howle]

The soft colors and position of the bird create a beautiful image. the crop works well for me.

[Paul Lagasi]

Ok Nicki, I'll be different..love the gannets and detail, maybe a little less at the top but hey your image...

[Christopher Miller]

Very nice, Nicki. I like your very effective use of negative space in many of your images, and this one is no exception. Works very well for me, and nice poses and detail.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Nicki, I love the crop and the soft look with just the perfect amount of color. Nice work:)

[Kerry Perkins]

Very lovely Nicki. I really enjoy the clean, white look of these images. Nice interaction and muted colors.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Thanks so much everyone - your kind comments are very much appreciated :)

[Jim Bridges]

It's wonderful to see something new for me. I truly enjoy looking at this image and it's the composition and sharpness of the birds that makes me keep coming back to view it.

[Arthur Morris]

Love the look and the softness and the colors. Not so sure about the large expanse of nothing above the bird. Would have loved to have seen more of those beautiful grasses along the bottom of the frame.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

JIm and Artie, thanks so much for your very kind words - much appreciated! Artie, unfortunately I do not have any more of the grasses :)

[Arthur Morris]

You gotta love it.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Nikki - Doesn't hurt to have a cow every now and again :)

I love it. Creative and simple.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Too true Lance :D