Raven

Gallery: AvianPosted November 2, 2011140 views10 comments

Nikon D70 w/ Tamron 28-300VC lens
ISO 200, F6.3, 1/45 sec.

Hello everyone, this is my first post to this gallery! I am still new to digital photography & processing so any tips or techniques you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

I am normally not able to capture such close-up images of birds, but it seems that the ravens at the Grand Canyon are used to being fed. Because they are one of my favorite bird species, I couldn't resist the opportunity to photograph this one. I especially like how its feathers seem disheveled due to the rain.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Scott Frye on November 2, 2011 at 6:21 AM

Great detail in the black bird which can be tricky -- and I like the subtle colors on the shoulders -- strong catchlight which is needed when a black eye emerges from black feathers. Split two-tone background is not very naturific. Nice first post

Registered on February 3, 2007, 387 Posts, 1136 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on November 2, 2011 at 7:57 AM

Welcome Tonia. Very nice exposure to get detail in all the blacks, including the bill - not easily done with this species. I think a little more DOF would have been helpful since you were so close. I do find the transition from blue to brown in the background a bit disconcerting.

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

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on November 2, 2011 at 12:14 PM

Scott & Ron, thank you for your comments. I probably should have shifted my position to either side a bit as some of the cliffs were partially behind the raven producing the 2-toned background. I guess I got 'tunnel vision' with the excitement of the opportunity to work with such a cooperative bird! (At least until it figured out we weren't going to feed it)!

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on November 2, 2011 at 1:47 PM

That's a nice first post in Avian.

I agree with Ron's suggestions. With the D70 you can use ISO 400 without worrying about noise - that was my default ISO when I used that camera.

If it was possible a slight move to left or right could have eliminated the two-tone background.

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

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on November 2, 2011 at 2:49 PM

Welcome Tonia: You captured nice detail in the Raven which isn't always easy. Hopefully you shot a couple of vertical compositions as well? As others have noted, the background really draws you away from the subject. Keep 'em coming.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on November 2, 2011 at 3:22 PM

Welcome to NPN, nice close up with good feather detail, background colors and depth of field have been mentioned, I might try to selectively sharpen the end of the beak but otherwise a nice and interesting first post, way to go.

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

Comment posted by Angela McCain on November 2, 2011 at 8:22 PM

Great detail in the black feathers and nice light in the eye.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on November 3, 2011 at 9:31 AM

Welcome again (already seen you in the wildlife gallery!) Tonia!

Never understand why people tend to shy away from photographing this wonderful species of birds. Real pleased you took the opportunity, as you've created a wonderful close-up portrait. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to seeing many more of the images you create!

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on November 3, 2011 at 7:11 PM

Excellent detail in the dark feathers, nice work.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on November 4, 2011 at 10:19 AM

Corvidae's one my favs too Tonia, one of the smartest birds out there..
Detail, color, and exposure looks great. The very unusual BG makes it a unique portrait, albeit not your typical nature image..But I bet Mr. Ravens spit-personality explains it

Well done & welcome to NPN

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments