Last Summer Call

Gallery: AvianPosted October 1, 2013157 views5 comments

Hi everyone! I really wanted to go out for a drive to test out our new lens, so my dad took me on the backroads near our home. Much to our surprise, we spotted a Western Meadowlark flying beside us. He perched on a nearby fence post and allowed for me to take quite a few pictures of him before he continued on his way. We weren't expecting to spot him, as these guys are usually only here for the summer, but it was late September when we spotted him! It's even snowed a couple times since then. I suspect they are probably gone by now.

Thanks for lookin'!

Nikon D7100
Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens with 1.4xTC
ISO 1800
1/320sec @ f/4
Nik Viveza 2 and Nik Dfine 2.0
About 90% of original

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on October 1, 2013 at 12:02 PM

Jenaya:

This is an interesting take on the meadowlark. It does show the environment nicely. I'm honestly a bit torn on this one. I like some of it as is, and at the same time wish that the meadowlark was more prominent in the frame. I've played with the larger version and a couple of different crops. A couple of horizontal options worked for me.

I've enjoyed your recent series of images with much more environment. Keep 'em coming. Always great to see a different view of the world!!

Almost forgot. I do wish for a bit more mid-tone contrast in the image.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on October 1, 2013 at 12:11 PM

I like this composition as posted - it is what I refer to as a "quiet" image with soft tones and a subject that doesn't dominate. It is the sort of image that can be viewed over time and reward the viewer with fresh revelations.

I agree with Keith that it could use a bit more contrast, but I'd be careful not to add so much that you lose the soft relaxing feel that it now has.

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

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on October 1, 2013 at 1:18 PM

Hello Jenaya, a nice image of a species I found hard to shoot last summer when I was in the US. Actually I do like the composition as posted - since it shows pretty good how you saw the bird - in it's habitat. Well done ! Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on October 4, 2013 at 2:18 AM

Thanks for the feedback everyone!! I like the warm feel it has currently, which is due to the light being the last of the day.

Keith - Thank you for your suggestions! I believe we tried different types of crops, but always came back to this one.

Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on October 6, 2013 at 8:02 AM

Love the setting and composition Jenaya. My wife has just looked over my shoulder and said "Bloody good job"

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