We have had our almost annual visit in St. John's Newfoundland by a european redwing. In fact some think this one may have been here since fall but only recently revealed itself. As is often the case with rarities, the opportunities for the best composition didn't happen. I managed to get several good record pictures with no interfering branches or grass in front of the bird but as you can see the background is very busy. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to isolate the redwing a bit better from the background. When I selected the bird and blurred the background all my efforts looked very artificial so I didn't save any of them. TIA.
Gene
Taken with a sony a700, sigma 100-300 f4, taken at iso 400, f5, 1/640.
hi gene, i hope you will have some more time to spend with the bird. i can tell you from experience that the more time you can spend with him and learn his habits, finding a suitable situation becomes easier. spend a few hours observing the bird from a distance. let the bird get acclimated to you being in the area. hopefully you will find that at some point in time he perches somewhere that is suitable for photographing. then you can position yourself in the right location to capture your image. be it today or going back at a later time to get it.
good luck with your efforts. this is part of the process that is fun to me. i feel like you can actually make a relationship with the bird.
harold
after going back and re-reading your post again, i may have literally taken what you said instead of referring your question about the picture. sorry about that. it's a challenging situation that maybe someone with a little more experience than i have may be able to help you with. again, good luck. cant wait to see some more of this guy!!
Last edited by Harold Davis; 03-17-2008 at 03:43 PM.
This is a tough one Gene, the contrast and busy background is hard to hide, as I am sure you know. I think there will always be a strong edge to the birds body no matter what because of all the contrast. If you send me a less contrastly, non-sharpened image I can do a quick rework try for you.
Thanks for the offer Robert but I won't waste your time. It is never going to be a good photo and what I have is fine for the local records committee. I was just curious if anyone thought there might be a way to make a photograph out of a record picture.
Hi Gene,
I like your bird; the details and colors are there, however if you could just capture him with a less busy background it would improve the image greatly and make Mr. Bird stand out...:D
European redwing help
