Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · UKNP

Whooper Swan Portrait

Discussion

11 replies
Posted by Mark Sisson on December 6, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Whooper Swan Portrait
After a truly grey day in the Fens earlier this week the clouds cleared briefly treating us to a stunner of a sunset - which found me at Welney looking for reflected light in the water as the Whooper Swans (and myriads of Pochard) came in for their nightly feed and roost.
It's a strange image this - the pinks in the water are exactly as was, and the lighting on the swan is helped by the artificial lights on the feeding area for the public show at dusk - even so you'll see from the specs what a challenge this image proved. The tight crop is to avoid the myriads of others milling around.
Really interested in views on this as I know it looks a little unnatural, but it is as it was and I like it!

1DSMk2
500mm f5.6 1/60 ISO1600
Capture 1, CS2, Noise Ninja'd b/g
Posted by Laurie Braman on December 6, 2007 at 12:16 PM
I love the little droplets on the swans neck and the tight crop. Certainly an unusual background color. What is that in the lower right corner?

Laurie :wavey:
Posted by Mark Sisson on December 6, 2007 at 12:19 PM
It's drops of water from the swans bill Laurie - couldn't decide whether to clone them out or not - may be that they're a bit distracting so may well do so.

Mark

Posted by eric weight on December 6, 2007 at 12:27 PM
I think on balance that I would prefer it without the splashes in the corner, but it is a lovely picture for all that. :wavey:
Posted by Graeme Lee on December 6, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Not for me Mark. Just looks too surreal. Technically looks spot on :toast:
Posted by Andy Astbury on December 6, 2007 at 1:12 PM
Now imagine how I feel when I've just calibrated, come to UKNP and seen this :eek: :eek: :confused: :confused: :biggrin:

Impressive result judging by the techs :wavey:

Thanks for the heart attack too :toast:
Posted by Andy Shepherd on December 6, 2007 at 1:30 PM
Hi Mark,

I like it , beautiful colours :toast:

Regards

Andy... :smile:
Posted by Dave Sewell on December 7, 2007 at 4:04 AM
Andy, that comment made me laugh! I must admit that for me it's a bit too surreal but the birds looks perfectly exposed.
Dave
Posted by Stephen Kaluski on December 7, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Unusual Mark, however I can't help but think 'Clintons', is it because of the pink BG?

Steve :jump:
Posted by Alan Woolnough on December 7, 2007 at 2:23 PM
I also like the unusual-ness of this image Mark!!

well seen and framed

:toast:

Alan
Posted by Major Gilbert on December 7, 2007 at 5:31 PM
Yes definately different Mark the pinkness has even reflected on to the birds plumage.
Think it wold look better with those droplets gone. :toast:

Major.
Posted by Paula Graham on December 9, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Yes, I wondered too if I have calibrated my new monitor properly!!
Whatever...a very appealing shot with a most unusual colouration.