Master of Camo

Gallery: AvianPosted February 14, 2010105 views7 comments

I had always wanted to add ptarmigan photos to my list. I was was able to make these images several summers ago in Rocky Mountain National Park. I like the pattern of the bird against the rocks, but I am not sure about the snow. Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

Thanks for taking a look.

D 100
80-400mm VR
f 5.3
1/500
ISO 200
230mm

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on February 14, 2010 at 11:32 PM

I like the rocks behind the ptarmigan. I would have back up a little and moved a little to the right to give the ptarmigan a little more room in the frame and to get more of the eye. I like the mix of summer and winter plummage.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Dubois on February 15, 2010 at 2:51 AM

I like this Mike and I think your title is very appropriate. My only nit is that the snow in the lower right is pretty hot.

Registered on February 22, 2005, 129 Posts, 4739 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 15, 2010 at 7:31 AM

Mike,

I like the plumage of the ptarmigan, the rocks behind the bird but do find that the brightness of the snow on the right pulls my eyes away from the bird. I'd also prefer a little more eye contact with the bird.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 15, 2010 at 7:36 AM

This is great. I agree with others that the image would be stronger without the very bright bit of snow on the right.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on February 15, 2010 at 10:31 AM

I unfortunately have to agree about the bright snow stealing the eye away from the bird. I love everything else about this image. I especially love how the bird partially blends with the rocks behind it.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Darren Colello on February 15, 2010 at 1:19 PM

Great camouflage indeed. Interesting image, well done.

Registered on July 27, 2009, 175 Posts, 1100 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on February 15, 2010 at 8:34 PM

I'm jealous that you were even able to photograph one of these Mike. Camo personified! Personally, I'd give the bird a bit more room up top. I also think the blown out snow is unfortunate.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments