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Thread: A Study in symmetry

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Default A Study in symmetry

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    This loon was imaged last month in northern Michigan. Quite a dark day. I was struck by the shapes and symmetry here.

    D700 600VR f/5.6 TC 1.4 ISO 500 1/1000 Mounted on pedestal in bottom of my little boat, Loonie TOO.

    Post: This image was properly exposed for the whites, but this left the remainder two stops underexposed. Controlling the whites on loons is always a challenge, and I was exposed for the full breast showing, when this bird swam into my area. It was so dark I almost deleted it, but trusted the good ISO performance of the D700, and was able to pull out a decent result I think

    Selective sharpening, mild water clean up, full frame. Did run noise reduction on water. No saturation changes

    Advice and comments always appreciated.

    Cheers

    Randy
    Last edited by Randy Stout; 08-13-2011 at 06:45 PM.
    MY BPN ALBUMS

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    Hi Randy...

    OK...

    Great concept but there are some issues for my eyes that make it not quite work.

    I love the water color but for this image to work you needed two things IMHO....perfectly flat water, perfect reflection in flat water and a bit more of a head turn.

    The whites look a bit bright, the sort of decayed looking little yellow perch (I think) is a distraction and the reverse water drop in the reflection is too bright or perhaps it's because it's sort of doubled with the uneven water?

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    beautiful image Randy. Loons are always difficult to photograph while protecting the whites. You did a very good job here. The colors in the water are very pleasing. The sun angle is probably what could help improve the shot. The bird back seems a little too bright and the catchlight in the eye is reaching the pupil. These are small details on an overall great image.

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    DanWalters
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    Great low angle and reflection! Like the fish and the drops of water on the head.

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    Hey Randy,

    I agree with some of Jim's points, the HA does need to be more "at you" with this type of a shot. I can't complain too much about it though, I have yet to photograph a "loon" from my boat. Congrats on getting so close at 600mm with the 1.4x you must of been pretty close for this to be a full frame shot. I'm liking the comp, and you didn't a good job showing detail in the blacks without over doing the whites.

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    I think this is going to be a matter of tastes here Randy. I love the blacks, the green water and water drops on the head. Reflection is a nice touch. Crop is OK.

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    BPN Viewer Dave Leroy's Avatar
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    Colour and glow on the water is a knock out for me. Some good points raised above but still a lovely photo. I agree with your comment about the lines and shapes.

    Dave

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    Randy, I like it. Great shot!

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Randy, on my screen, you seem to have nailed the exposure, especially the blacks. Cool low angle, and we cant always get clear flat water, so Im fine with the reflection. The fish and droplets on the head add interest.

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    The image work very nicely IMO, just find it a bit to tight. Excellent detail recovery, good colour and nice to get the fish in it's beak TFS

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    It's a wonderful image Randy. Such a difficult bird to expose and you did very well.

    They are such beauties and they are on my list!

    BTW, thanks for fixing my thread title the other day

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    I like the water color and the ripples around the neck. But for me the comp and crop doesn't feel right, there is too much empty space on the left. The whites on the back and back of neck look very bright to my eye. The blacks under the chin and beak are too dark and have no detail whatsoever. Good detail on the Loon!

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    Forum Participant Joe Senzatimore's Avatar
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    I think your PP skills came into play and saved a beautiful image. Well done.

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Thanks everyone for the comments and thoughtful observations. I really liked the shapes/masses in this image from a comp. point and perhaps let that influence my evaluation of the technical issues. However, I do still like it and will go back and touch up some of the areas mentioned, such as the overly bright drip on the reflection and hit the whites again. None are over 255 as presented, but I will tone them down a bit more.

    This is why BPN is such a great learning place


    Cheers

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

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