Rhino in the Sky
by Ashley Vincent
Canon EOS 7D, EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, Aperture Priority @ f/4 (1/8000 sec), +1/3 EV, ISO 640, Cropped About 30% from Full Frame
Subject: Male Rhinoceros Hornbill
Location: Kinabatangan River, Sukau, Sabah, Bornean Malaysia
Situation: Was fortunate enough to see and photograph a number of different species of Hornbill on this trip, although always in search of more opportunities with Rhinoceros Hornbills, as they are my favourites :^)
Main challenge was capturing images of them in flight with pleasing colours in the background. Happy as I am with this Rhino, unfortunately I caught it while it was flying from one side of the river to the other through a completely white patch of sky, which was rather disappointing.
Adding to my disappointment, looking around me I could see wonderfully blue patches of sky with dramatically billowing clouds, and I couldn't help wishing my Rhino had chosen to fly through this area of sky instead … then it struck me: Why not take some photos of the “good” sky and move my Rhino over to it in PS, which is exactly what I did :^)
I'm sure many people will hate the idea of such serious manipulation, but I really like the finished effect and I have no intention of ever trying to make out that this isn't a composite image.
Hope at least some of you can enjoy this picture nevertheless ;^)
Thoughts and comments always welcome :^)
Comments
15 commentsI'd still like to see the original. I'll bet it's fine.
Some feat to get both the clouds and bird so sharp. Methinks this would be a tough shot to take in reality.
In answer to the request some of you made, here are the original images of respectively the Rhino in flight and the cloudy patch of sky. When creating the composite I did think of making the Hornbill larger in the frame, but decided against doing so as I felt the clouds displayed with equal prominence helped make a much more pleasing picture. I'd be interested to know your thoughts on this though.
Steve: Come the rainy season I may well go out in search of lightning bolts, but if I get struck I'll be holding you to blame - LOL ;^p
Their vocalizations and the flutter they cause in flight just set the mornings ablaze !
The outcome of the processing looks terrific. However given the amount of time you seem to spend there, am sure you will pull off something far better without resorting to composites. Wouldn't be surprised if you already have.
cheers
Rob
Anand: Got caught up talking about the processing of this image and should have remembered to make at least a little mention of this magnificent Hornbill's call! As you suggest, the sound of their hooonk-like cry accompanied by the dramatic rhythm of their large flapping wings is simply magical; kind of transports one to a prehistoric era where giants ruled the skies. And although it's a pleasure any time of day to hear this, first thing in the morning, just as the sun's beginning to rise, is indeed the best time of all. Thanks for promoting my recollection that conjures up such wonderful memories :^)
I do in fact have a fair number of other Rhinoceros Hornbill shots from both trips I've been fortunate enough to make to Sabah, though with the exception of one this is the most appealing patch of sky I have to compliment them in ;^) I'll get round to posting more of these up in time.
Cheryl: I'm also not all that experience with post processing, and if there is any way of bringing out more colour in the sky of the original image, it's apparently way beyond my current capabilities ;^)