Some reason I can't post attachments so I hope it's not wrong to use flickr link.
Last Sunday was nice sunny wether finally here in Helsinki, usually it's dark and cloudy.
Anyway I went to the Vantaa river and plan was try to find white-throated dipper
I was lucky and find it. I take quite meny frames but my location didn't be the best since the
the sun was behind of white-throated dipper so I only manage the get shadow side to my frame.
I needed to crop about 75% because the distance was about 20m where I was able to shoot.
I used Canon DPP for raw editing, about 75% crop contrast/brightness and sharping
Location: Vantaa river Helsinki Finland
Date: 30 of Jan 2011
Time: 11:43
1/100, ISO 400, -1EV, F5.6
40D + EF300mm f/4 IS + EF 1.4x mk2
Manfrotto 055 pro + Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head
I like the nice position of the bird in the frame. The flowing water adds a lot.
The two big downsides for me are as you mentioned we are looking at the shadow side of the bird. Also it would be a much stronger image if the bird's head was turned toward the camera and the eye was visible.
The details in bird held up well to the large crop.
Looking forward to seeing more photos from Finland.
Hi Jukka- One of the perks of being a BPN member is that you can upload an image to BPN. Forum participants can link to images on the web like you have done- so no problem to link to Flickr (but consider becoming a member, it's the best deal on the web!).
I'll echo Dave's comments. This would be a pleasing image if the bird's head were rotated about 45° clockwise. Have a look at this long but very detailed and useful BPN thread on head angle:
Welcome Jukka! I agree with the other comments...the water is almost the focal point here because of the lack of contact with the bird's face & eye. Try practicing by putting the sun behind you and then letting the birds turn towards you. It's not as important that the entire body be turned your way as it is that the head be looking your direction.
Lots of great information in the educational and discussion forums! Check those out as time permits and you'll pick up on lots of interesting "do's and don'ts" for avian photography!
Thank you all of you for good comments.
I also agree that eye contact should be better. I was waiting for long time for better angle but no success. The location was quite difficult since there was a lot of snow and not possible to go lower view whit out going to standing to the river. Maybe net time I can take my fly fishing waders .
Since I'm just starting to taking bird photos all advices are very valuable.
White-throated dipper
Some reason I can't post attachments so I hope it's not wrong to use flickr link.
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