Posted by Craig Strand on January 4, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Shot yesterday at Ridgefield NWR
Canon 40D, canon 600mm f4.L F/4.5 1/500 ISO 800
(come on, Spring!)
Posted by Ned Fenimore on January 4, 2009 at 5:24 PM
My, that is outstanding... I can't imagine any better light of DOF choice for this one.. the out of focus branches give a sense of place, and don't bother me in the least. I'd have to say that this is one of your top images..
Posted by Geoff Shapiro on January 4, 2009 at 7:08 PM
I'd have to agree with, Ned. Craig, the detail and colors in the GBH are outstanding as is the background and composition. Very well done!
Stunning! Well framed and I find the bright b/g transitioning to dark green on top as attractive. Wonderful light on feathers and eye. Love to have this for framing a large version....hopefully you are able to retain the sharpness for enlarging. Ken S
Posted by Mark Hudon on January 4, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Jeez, Craig, I ain't no birder but this is one sweet shot! My only nit (and it's an ultra nit) would be the extension of that stick sticking out of the bird's back.
Posted by Craig Strand on January 4, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Thank you everyone for the nice comments. I almost didn't post this one as I felt it was a tad too far on the dark side for my taste. Typical overcast dreary day yesterday with very little wildlife out and about. I'm glad I caught this guy and shared the image.
Posted by Cliff Dodge on January 5, 2009 at 4:27 PM
That is very nice!
Posted by William Brozy on January 5, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Even at this size the feathers look fabulous - I just want to pet that bird...that didn't come out as i intended. Print it and hang it!
Wow, Craig, what a shot! I agree with you about the dark areas, and I especially would like to see even a wee hint of feet- entirely possible to tweak this in p'shop. So, aside from that, criminy, the feather detail is superb, the beak looks like the terrible weapon it is, the eye is right on, the pose is iconic; and the bg environment is a beautiful, understated, elegant touch. What a way to start the year! You GO! boy!
Posted by John Williams on January 7, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Hey Craig, while I agree that the shadows look just a tad plugged on my monitor, the overall low key to the image really adds some saturation. The subtle colors come out very well, especially on the wing, colors that would likely have been lost on a brighter day.
I love your comp, and the longer feathers are exceptional here.
Discussion
9 repliesCanon 40D, canon 600mm f4.L F/4.5 1/500 ISO 800
(come on, Spring!)
I love your comp, and the longer feathers are exceptional here.