I'm a massive fan of small-in-frame images, but I can never seem to get the right balance of space vs size of bird. This image was shot at the same beach and on the same day as the Lesser Sand-Plover from yesterday. I could've cropped the image tight, but I would've lost the blue strip at the top that I love, and the end result did not have the same visual impact without the splash of color. I did some minor beach clean-up, dodging and burning, NR, and color adjustments.
I realize that most people won't like this kind of shot, but this is something I'd like to experiment with when I'm physically unable to get close to the birds. I'd appreciate any tips on composing habitat/small-in-frame shots. In this case, what would've made the image more appealing - a different composition, lighting, some other element to add interest - or does it work as presented?
Camera - Nikon D850
Focal Length - 700mm
Aperture - f/8
Shutter Speed - 1/640s
ISO - 3600
Handheld
Manual, Auto ISO
70-80% of Full-frame
As always, all comments & CC are appreciated
Last edited by Aditya Sridhar; 01-18-2020 at 09:13 PM.
Beautiful colors and bird looks sharp and good details. Love the heavenly look. Maybe for me not so much dark blue at the top of the frame Maybe just a little off the bottom. Very subjective. Just beautiful overall. TFS
You were wise to keep the blue; the image would be really flat without it. The legs will be an issue for those who like detail but not for those who like creative uses of blur (I fall towards the earlier group).
I think the composition/proportioning works well for this sort of small-in-frame image, but I don't think the bottom 2/3 of the frame is that interesting. It's just not enough to carry the frame as required under these circumstances.
I like this Aditya. Agree that comp is always difficult in "small in the frame images" and very personal as well.
I like your comp and could see an equally strong version with a sliver off the bottom.
I like the feet "in the clouds" and the nice HA.
Gail
I love the. inquisitive look on the bird's face and I am 100% fine with the framing and crop and I love the image as presented.
with love, artie
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Hi Aditya, I love the image, I would not change anything. I also like small in the frame bird images, they give the eyes a place to wander coming back to the bird. Thank you for sharing.
Joe Przybyla
"Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams