A shot from a couple of months ago. Taken at Lower Klamath NWR, OR/CA border. Another attempt at capturing wildlife in their surroundings, rather than frame filling "bird on a stick" type shots.
Canon 10D, 1-400mmIS, handheld, -1 stop @f11
Posted by Marc Adamus on April 16, 2007 at 1:54 PM
Dan, I like it but the color feels a bit undersaturated and I'd like to see perhaps at least one of the birds facing the camera.
The mountain seems to be out of focus - with more saturation and the peak in focus and the birds not facing their back to the camera - this would be a killer shot
- pradeep
Posted by David Cowell on April 16, 2007 at 9:02 PM
The mountain gives a good sense of place. But I'll agree with the others that it would have been nice to having a bird or two facing the camera.
As for the "bird on a stick photos" personally I like them. They have their place in the grand scheme of things, especially for smaller birds…..I mean where else do you see them typically? On sticks no? I do know what you are getting at though. They are done so repeatedly anymore they need to be done really well to have good impact.
I realize I’m a n00b here and am not trying to ruffle any feathers (pun intended ) but just thought I’d throw my 2 cents out there on the subject.
David,
No ruffled feathers here. I still take a good bird on a stick shot evert chance I get. It's very satisfying to really nail one, with great light, perch, smooth backround, etc. What it all boils down to for me is that it can get a little boring to shoot. Great habitat, action, flight, predator/prey shots to me, are much more exciting to capture. Either which way, no offense was intended by my bird on a stick comment. Nice to have another avian guy here.
Other thoughts, I guess I chose this image our of many with better profiles of the swans, because I thought perhaps with the birds swimming away from the camera, the viewer would be lead into the scene. An attempt at getting artistic, I guess.
Perhaps the mountain is a bit out of focus. Dropping down to even f11 is hard for me out of instinct at this point, I feel like I'm always thirsting for faster shutter speeds. That being said, this was midmorning and there was plenty of light to reach for some more depth of field. I'll probably think about that next time.
Posted by Rick Lundh on April 16, 2007 at 10:33 PM
Always a tricky trade off when shooting birds...dof and speed. A bird or two facing the lens would be nice...plus maybe some extra contrast on the background would help this image's appeal some.
I see what you were going for here and like the idea. Good advice from your own self and everyone else. I agree with Rick: I think shooting birds is a tricky trade off, and I find myself usually on the short end with my results. I just gotta keep trying.
Discussion
6 repliesCanon 10D, 1-400mmIS, handheld, -1 stop @f11
- pradeep
As for the "bird on a stick photos" personally I like them. They have their place in the grand scheme of things, especially for smaller birds…..I mean where else do you see them typically? On sticks no? I do know what you are getting at though. They are done so repeatedly anymore they need to be done really well to have good impact.
I realize I’m a n00b here and am not trying to ruffle any feathers (pun intended
Dave
No ruffled feathers here. I still take a good bird on a stick shot evert chance I get. It's very satisfying to really nail one, with great light, perch, smooth backround, etc. What it all boils down to for me is that it can get a little boring to shoot. Great habitat, action, flight, predator/prey shots to me, are much more exciting to capture. Either which way, no offense was intended by my bird on a stick comment. Nice to have another avian guy here.
Other thoughts, I guess I chose this image our of many with better profiles of the swans, because I thought perhaps with the birds swimming away from the camera, the viewer would be lead into the scene. An attempt at getting artistic, I guess.
Perhaps the mountain is a bit out of focus. Dropping down to even f11 is hard for me out of instinct at this point, I feel like I'm always thirsting for faster shutter speeds. That being said, this was midmorning and there was plenty of light to reach for some more depth of field. I'll probably think about that next time.