Posted by Helge Sorensen on November 18, 2006 at 2:12 PM
Taking a break from the Kestrels I wanted to share this peculiar image with you. Found a little group of Red-breasted Mergansers today which where doing a lot of courtship-display. Seem a little early, considering we are a long way from spring! Light was very dull.
20D + 500/4, iso400, f5.6 1/800; cropped a bit.
Posted by writepic on November 18, 2006 at 2:17 PM
hi helg, are you sure that's courtship? i seem to remember that's what i looked like in the water every time i lost my arm bands :)
anyway, not a great critiquer of birds but i think this might look a little better if it was facing you a bit more, i.e. if the head was in the position of the bum? make sense? although probably knowing you this bird is only ever seen once every 2,500 years and just to get a photo is good.
regards,
mark
Posted by Dave Courtenay on November 18, 2006 at 2:22 PM
Hi Helge
Good behavioral image,The backside looks sharper than the head but love the pose,the birds facial expression is great,the biggest let down must be the light or lack of it,i would keep an eye on these guys and try again when the light is better
Posted by John Gardner on November 18, 2006 at 3:46 PM
I think this is a very good behavioural shot. Light is flat but I still like it and I reckon you could lift a little more out of the RAW with some curves. Fine shot
John
Posted by Dennis Alden on November 19, 2006 at 2:27 AM
I agree with John - a nice behavioural image but a little flat due to the light. Well worth another trip if you cn spare the time :)
Great behaviour shot Helge especially considering the lighting conditions.... Agree that a little curves work in the conversion stage (it is shot in RAW isn't it?) would lift it some...
Re your question on profiles... this image still does not have a profile embedded, I'm not sure if that is down to 'Save for web', I never use it, I always convert to sRGB then 'save as' which preserves the embedded profile.
Discussion
8 replies20D + 500/4, iso400, f5.6 1/800; cropped a bit.
hi helg, are you sure that's courtship? i seem to remember that's what i looked like in the water every time i lost my arm bands :)
anyway, not a great critiquer of birds but i think this might look a little better if it was facing you a bit more, i.e. if the head was in the position of the bum? make sense? although probably knowing you this bird is only ever seen once every 2,500 years and just to get a photo is good.
regards,
mark
Good behavioral image,The backside looks sharper than the head but love the pose,the birds facial expression is great,the biggest let down must be the light or lack of it,i would keep an eye on these guys and try again when the light is better
John
dennis
Despite the less than ideal light,this a fine behavioural image that I'm sure you're very pleased to add to your collection
Rob
great courtship display just like the one in Collins Bird Guide. Just a pity about the weather I know the feeling!
Re your question on profiles... this image still does not have a profile embedded, I'm not sure if that is down to 'Save for web', I never use it, I always convert to sRGB then 'save as' which preserves the embedded profile.
Like this a great deal.