Black-throatedGrayWarblr

Gallery: AvianPosted August 15, 2010146 views14 comments

Yesterday I had a truly magic morning out at my now regular spot. One species after another, took excellent perches in pleasing light and held still long enough for me to snap some frames. It went beyond the successful photos (lots), there were so many beautiful birds coming to me that it was a very special morning.

Black-throated Gray Warblers are a species that I really enjoy, especially their plumage and song. I got a couple good photos of them this summer, but not as many as I'd hoped. This female posed for me several times yesterday, much to my delight.

This is my favorite from the session, and one of my favorite photos that I have ever taken.

Comments and critiques are appreciated. Please view larger version if possible.

Canon 7D, 500mm +1.4x TC. tripod

Yes--finally a tripod! I must say, I enjoyed it so far. When I set it up in my kitchen, put the long lens on it, locked it down and got a razor sharp image at 1/2 second I was pretty impressed. My preliminary experience after two mornings is that shutter speeds in the field of 1/25 can work without locking down if the subject is still.

1/400, f/8, ISO 400, setup perch

Crop to 55% (9.9 of 18MP). Could probably go a little looser, but I like this comp.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on August 15, 2010 at 11:15 PM

Brian, this is gorgeous!
Very fine feather detail, especially seen in the larger image.
Like the pose, bright eye, perch, and BG.
A bit more DOF might have sharpened the entire bird and perch, but just great as is.
Sandy r

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on August 16, 2010 at 7:16 AM

Lovely shot Brian - it's not until you view the larger image that you appreciated the subtle soft lighting and the fine detail.

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on August 16, 2010 at 9:25 AM

Brian

I just love those days when it feels magical and when everything seems to work as the great shots just keep coming.

I can see why this would be one of your favorite images so far, it is delightful to view. Love the light, the pose, the details and the wonderful look you appear to be getting.

I'd love to have this in my files.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Beautiful, Brian. I can see why you like this one. The light is great, the pose is wonderful and I like the head turn and the perch. I guess, if I had to find a nit, more dof might have been really neat, but I really like this one as-is. Congratulations on the great morning. It's really neat when it works like that.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Keith A Anderson on August 16, 2010 at 3:08 PM

Great image, Brian. I can see why you're so pleased with it. Nice choice of perches and placement for what is a very complementary bg, too.

Registered on February 13, 2006, 166 Posts, 1818 Comments

Comment posted by Joel DeYoung on August 16, 2010 at 3:12 PM

Wonderful image with excellent sharpness, composition and colors. Very well done.

Registered on July 12, 2009, 92 Posts, 1074 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on August 16, 2010 at 3:46 PM

Terrific! I love this: great detail; nice light; interesting perch; strong graphics.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on August 16, 2010 at 4:28 PM

Good eye contact and perch Brian.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on August 16, 2010 at 10:27 PM

This is beautiful...such soft, beautiful lighting.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on August 17, 2010 at 7:40 AM

I can see why this image is a favorite of yours, Brian, everything is just right about it: color, perch, lovely bird, terrific lighting. Great to hear about your morning too.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Satie Sharma on August 17, 2010 at 12:43 PM

Beautiful shot, Brian. Excellent detail, pose and lighting. Nicely done.

Registered on November 11, 2003, 189 Posts, 5335 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on August 17, 2010 at 7:13 PM

Congrats on your wonderful morning and this shot Brian. The light on the face makes this one for me.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on August 17, 2010 at 10:36 PM

Easy to see why this was a favourite of yours!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on August 18, 2010 at 10:58 AM

Wonderful shot Brian, I like the look and detail from the bird. The angle of the branch combined with the bird and background all add up, well done. Great to have one of those moments when things are just coming your way.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments