This preening swan was imaged at the local bird sanctuary. These are free birds who come and go as they please, but like to hang out at the sanctuary for its safety and occasional snacks.
I liked the play of light across the face as he looks out towards the sun, and the remarkable feather detail with the wings in this position.
D700 600VR f/5.6 1/3200s ISO 400 Gitzo/ Wimberley
Post: CS 5, selective sharpening, slight rotation, Nik Color Efex 4.0 to open up the shadows a bit (detail extractor filter)
Beautiful plumage it looks like ivory in colour. Great timing, I suspect you have several shots at this point in time, I was just wondering if you had one with just the tip of the bill gripping the feather? Having said this this looks very impressive to me, I particularly like the reflections in the under aspect of the tail feathers, and the way the light has picked up detail in the wings is excellent.
Very interesting pose in nice side light. Like the shadow just above the eye...Looks just like us when we lift our hands to shade our eyes from the sun! Nicely presented image!
I am crazy about preening poses like this, Randy. Bird as art indeed here. Light across the eye is superb. Love the accordion look of the feathers. Outstanding image!
Dan - I agree the shape of the bird would work well with a square crop, but I felt in playing up the peek a boo theme, he needed someone to be peeking at, off to the side.
Peekaboo Preen - Trumpeter swan
Reply With Quote
