Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Kissing Cranes
‹ PreviousAvian GalleryNext ›

Kissing Cranes

by Margaret Summers

Gallery: AvianPosted July 23, 2011116 views5 comments
This pair of Crested Cranes came flying in as we photographed some other birds at a small pond in Tanzania. I've always wanted to see these birds; they are so striking. It was fun to watch them interact.

Nikon D300;70-200mm f/2.8 @200mm
1/640 sec @ f5.6; iso 200

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Mia McPherson on July 24, 2011 at 8:54 AM
Interesting cranes Margaret. I like the setting with the water & vegetation in the background. The light looks like it may have been a bit strong, there are areas on the bird on the right that are a little bit hot, I think you could bring out some detail by toning the exposure down a touch. The nearly centered comp worls for me because of the poses of the two birds. Sharpness looks good at the size posted, would have liked to have seen this posted larger
Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments
Comment posted by denise ippolito on July 24, 2011 at 9:46 AM
Margaret, I agree the light looks a little harsh. You did a great job getting this pose. I do wish that the lighting on the birds were more even. Sharpness looks great.
Registered on December 17, 2009, 202 Posts, 1529 Comments
Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on July 24, 2011 at 11:31 AM
This looks like a difficult exposure with tough light. Some of the whites are hot...and some of the darks esp in the shadows and on the top of heads is dark. Maybe selecting each of these and adj exp would help. I do like the pose and comp very much. Cool birds! Sharon
Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments
Comment posted by Wayne Willison on July 24, 2011 at 3:53 PM
I agree with the others, but really like the colors here. They're rich and seem fitting for these fine looking birds.
Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 24, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Sweet image, Margaret. Excellent job on the exposure given what looks like some pretty harsh light and one bird being shadowed.
:toast:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments