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Thread: Northern Harrier in setting sun

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Default Northern Harrier in setting sun

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    I've struggled with these guys, rarely able to get close enough. This was from last night, as the sun was setting behind the treeline. It's a large crop and high ISO, so it lacks the fine detail and IQ of other harrier shots I've seen posted here; but I liked the low flight over typical habitat. C&C appreciated.

    D90 | 500VR | ISO 1000 | 1/2500s @ f/5 | -1.0EV

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    Bill - I think this turned out very well considering the conditions. The "pros" are strong enough that the others matter less. The warm light and silky BG really make the photo, plus you caught a nice eye catch, wing formation and have a nice low viewing angle. All good. Only question for me is whether to leave the dark strip at the top.

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dan Busby View Post
    Bill - I think this turned out very well considering the conditions. The "pros" are strong enough that the others matter less. The warm light and silky BG really make the photo, plus you caught a nice eye catch, wing formation and have a nice low viewing angle. All good. Only question for me is whether to leave the dark strip at the top.
    Thank you Dan. I wondered about the dark band (the dark woods in the bg beyond the edge of the field), and I even tried a version that cloned out that band. That version seemed to me just to bleed off the edge, while the dark top seemed to help frame the image. I suspect this is a toss-up, a matter of personal preference. I'll be interested to hear what others think.

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    BPN Member Alan Murphy's Avatar
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    Dan, sweet light and habitat. I find the black distracting. I would also give the bird another round of sharpening.

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    Brendan Dozier
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    That is a sweet shot.

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Instead of cloning the dark band off completely you could just lighten it to reduce its' impact. Although overall looking good, the face could use some more sharpening, and I would eliminate the light OOF grass stem touching the tail. I love the warm tones and habitat.

  7. #7
    Kris Mortensen
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    I love this shot...the overall color is awesome. I would love to see another version with the dark band at the top lightened...I think it would detract from the shot less. I wouldn't mind seeing a version with the far wing lightened a little as well. Overall, I really like this shot...wish it was mine!

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    I like your comp Bill, and just love the light and warm colours. I also feel the dark strip on top is a tad distracting, and agree that this needs a touch more sharpening.

  9. #9
    John Wright
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    Very nice shot! I like the environmental aspects and the warm tones. For me the black strip is not a huge distraction - I find it gives a sense of scale and depth.

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Thank you all for the most helpful comments. Here's a repost with some of your suggestions: I've softened the dark band at the top; removed one stem of grass; lightened the far wing just a tad; and sharpened more. Also fixed a small cloning artifact between the 2nd and 3rd primaries from the OP. I appreciate your help and suggestions.

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    Bill
    like the re-post better. Wondering if you could selectively select the far wing and reduce the bluish cast

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Myer Bornstein View Post
    Bill
    like the re-post better. Wondering if you could selectively select the far wing and reduce the bluish cast
    Thanks Myer. I did desaturate the far wing a bit; I probably would have been better taking the blue channel all the way to zero. I'll try making that change to my master file.

  13. #13
    Michael Bertelsen
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    Looks great Bill,
    Liked the first post, but I really like the last.

    Michael Berterlsen

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