Mute Swans

Gallery: AvianPosted January 21, 201277 views6 comments

Hi all!

I took the shot of these two Mute Swans back in December, at a local pond. I really liked the subdued colors, and the tender feel between the two swans...
I considered cloning the spots in the background, (they're gulls, if I remember correctly) especially the one just behind the head of the swans--but would prefer not to if unneeded.

Nikon D200, 300mm, f/6.3, 1/400, ISO 320, small crop for less centering of the birds.

All comments and critiques appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Jaymes

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 21, 2012 at 9:15 PM

Jaymes, I like the tender feel of the interaction as you nicely described it. I also like the setting (no issue with the oof birds for me), and the slick water in the foreground. I believe this could use a little cw rotation.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on January 22, 2012 at 12:13 AM

I like the peaceful, quiet moment that you have here. The generous crop you chose keeps it from feeling that we are intruding on their moment. I would try a warming filter (even though it was in December) to see if you could bring out some richness of color.

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

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 22, 2012 at 7:11 AM

Jaymes, I agree with Brian's comments about the feel of the interaction and Angela's comments about the peaceful, quiet moment. The longer I look at this image the more peaceful and quiet I feel. I, too, might try to enrich the light/colors just a tiny, tiny bit, while maintaining the feel of December.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on January 22, 2012 at 8:06 AM

For me the mood is the strength of this image. I'm ok with the OOF gulls and colors as presented. Interesting the way the far birds head is cradled in the neck loop of the foreground swan.

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

Comment posted by Luca Mussato on January 22, 2012 at 10:09 AM

Almost everything has been said, i looks a bit dark to my monitor.

Luca

Registered on November 14, 2006, 118 Posts, 855 Comments

Comment posted by Cristina Strudthof on January 22, 2012 at 4:23 PM

I would lighten up the overall exposure a bit and rotate it until it's level. Wonderful capture.

Registered on January 14, 2011, 53 Posts, 363 Comments