Two-Fer

Gallery: AvianPosted December 4, 2016137 views6 comments

One of my many photography "obsessions" is capturing that quintessential flight shot of a Bufflehead drake. In this image I managed to capture two Buffleheads, which is great; but it is not a stellar image. I firmly believe the Bufflehead drake is the most difficult avian subject to properly expose. That white head is the opposite of a black hole. It is a portal to an infinite light source. (smile). I consistently underexpose trying not to blow the highlights in the head. I don't think my camera's dynamic range can accommodate that white head AND a dark background. So, sometimes you just have to try to split the difference. Regardless, I will keep trying for that amazing capture. That's what keeps all us photographers out in the field.

Processed using Lightroom CC (2015) and Photoshop CC (2017) along with Light Craft's LightZone. Comments and critiques welcome.

Canon 1DX Mark II
Canon 200-400 f4 L IS
f8.0
1/2500s
Focal Length 560mm (Teleconverter Engaged)
ISO 1250

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Jake Alletson on December 4, 2016 at 1:11 PM

You have Buffleheads and we have Sacred Ibises. They certainly challenge us but I am sure that the 1DX II is up for the job. No matter what, it is still a wonderful shot of the two birds in flight.

Registered on May 3, 2016, 12 Posts, 163 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on December 4, 2016 at 1:59 PM

Still.. an awesome image .. Love the twosome... Great achievement. Cheers, Hans

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 4, 2016 at 2:29 PM

I agree with your self-assessment of the image, Jerry. Great action shot, but that dynamic range just isn't available in today's cameras. I think I read about one that's supposed to have more bits per pixel, but weather that actually translates to more dynamic range, I don't know. One of these days they'll give us another stop or two of range-I just hope I'm around to see it and can afford it.

devil

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Carl Johnson on December 5, 2016 at 7:00 AM

Amazing capture, your own criticism not withstanding. Beautiful birds and to catch 2 drakes in such perfect synchronization is beautiful.

Registered on October 27, 2016, 8 Posts, 41 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on December 6, 2016 at 6:35 PM

I certainly agree with you that these are very difficult to expose properly. I have a lot of them in my area. My problem is getting them to approach me close enough to get reasonable detail. Most of the time they just sit in the water and rarely fly. When they do fly they are very fast. I think you did well to get two of these close enough together to be in focus.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Ralph Kerr on December 10, 2016 at 9:50 AM

Jerry, you have expressed the difficulty well, so no need to repeat.
Given the dynamic range issue, I think this is a great photograph. I especially like the fact that you have minimal shadows on the wings. Your light angle was just right. Congrats.

Registered on January 30, 2007, 369 Posts, 852 Comments