40D. 400f5.6L at f/5.6. iso 400. 1/250s. exp. comp +1 1/3 to expose to the right and then pulled down in DPP.
There was an upslope and then a downward slope. Feet were not visible and eye-level shot was giving a bright grey water BG. Hence, I put the lens on grass and shot through some OOF grass. The contrast was low and had to do some curves work to get to where I wanted. Hope this works. I know there is not enough room for virtual feet but it would have looked odd with so much OOF FG.
To me the 2nd bird looks like a ghostly image of the 1st, in the initial image. The initial and the 2nd images give 2 quite different impressions - both enjoyable. After some thought I think the R. hand bird in the 2nd image is more effective than the oof version in the 1st image. You might wish to consider removing the blade of grass crossing the chest, particularly in the 2nd image.
I prefer the first image due the the better BG/FG and isolation of the main bird. The eyes are a good focal point and echoed poses work well. I would be inclined to crop a little more from below. Processing looks good to me.
Kaustubh, I like the first one also. I agree w/ you regarding the room on the bottom and I like your crop choice. Nice BG and Fg colors and lovely poses.
Count me in the wide open camp. I love my offset juxtaposed subjects o-o-f. :) And two perfect head angles are four times more difficult to get than one :)
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Juvie Yellow crowned night herons
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