I visited a local pond yesterday morning to try and make the most of some cold weather we have been having in the UK. Unfortunately it was one of those days were things aren't going to plan! It was a very foggy, dull morning even though the weather had suggest clear skies. And in fact, it was so foggy that once the sun had come up there was no indication in the sky of where the sun was at all so everything looked flat and dreary. Secondly, when I arrived I realised that in my half asleep state I had left my tripod at home, not ideal when you are with the 600! Lastly, all the birds at the ponds were huddled in the small area's of water that were not frozen so no birds on ice to be had!
I thought all was lost until I saw this one lone Coot sitting on some ice on another smaller pond! Not the productive morning of frosty bird images I had planned on but at least I got one shot in the bag of my first Coot on ice!
A lovely shot Richard and if you can come home with even just one decent image the day is a success. The flat light has helped with the exposure here. Might be tempted to try to bring out the eyes a touch though.
Robert
Posted by Matt Cole on January 12, 2009 at 3:46 PM
that's a nice shot and certainly different from a typical coot shot. I like the low viewpoint and central composition.
Matt
Posted by John Robinson on January 12, 2009 at 3:53 PM
That's different ! Coot's heads never easy. Agree about the eyes too.
JR
Posted by Ian Mason on January 12, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Very nice monochromatic image. Great angle and exposure. I take the point about the eyes. I think I can see some colour there and I agree it would be stunning if that could be emphasised against the black and grey.
I've gone for a boost on the eyes...nothing too major as I don't want it to look unrealistic.
Posted by Dave Bartlett on January 12, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Really different - I like it a lot, especially the re-post He looks like he should be sliding along the ice!
Dave
Posted by Ian Mason on January 12, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Yes, it's better. My experience with these has been in bright low sunshine, which makes the eyes almost fluorescent red - presumably the light has prevented it here.
Posted by Colin Pickett on January 12, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Hi Richard
A very different Coot image indeed, do you think he has no legs or are they frozen in the ice? The low view point certainly makes the image.
Regards
Posted by Paul Hillion on January 12, 2009 at 5:07 PM
What a fantastic shot, I actually prefer the 1st image. The low PoV is just perfect.
Discussion
17 repliesI thought all was lost until I saw this one lone Coot sitting on some ice on another smaller pond! Not the productive morning of frosty bird images I had planned on but at least I got one shot in the bag of my first Coot on ice!
D3, 600mm, 1/100, f8, ISO 1100
Robert
Matt
JR
Dave
A very different Coot image indeed, do you think he has no legs or are they frozen in the ice?
Regards
Must have been a cold experience I suppose.
Repost is better.
Brett
Drew
Lee