I just posted this on the avian gallery and thought I would remind those interested that the Ridgefield Refuge closes for 30 days, beginning next monday. If your wanting to take some refuge landscape or wildlife shots while waiting for the tulips... this week is the time.
It must be spring if you can find a Sora out foraging. I was at the refuge yesterday shooting a pair of virginia rails when this sora came strolling past them. I was very excited as all previous attempts at capturing this bird left lots to be desired. Please view the larger image in the avian gallery to appreciate the color and detail and check out the long toes!
Larger view- http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/largephoto.cgi?ref=118261
see reposted, reworked image below
Thanks for viewing, Craig
Canon 40D
Canon 600mm f4.l USM
F/4.0
1/500
ISO 320
Posted by Nate Chappell on March 25, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Nice one, Craig. Those are some crazy toes. The comp works well with the diagonal running to the corner. It gives the shot some implied motion, and the little drop on the birds' bill adds some character.
You're really packin' some heat with that 600! Is this a crop or full frame composition?
Posted by Ned Fenimore on March 25, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Outstanding, Craig - this has to be one of your best avian photos I have seen... speaking of tulips, are you going to be at Woodland again this year? Would love to meet up with you again if you are..
Thanks for the comments....
Aaron, this is full frame, the disadvantage of the big lens here was the sora was within the 18ft minimum focus distance, had to back the car up slowly without alerting him to get in focus and put some canvas around the bird.
Ned, Yes, I wll be out at the Tulip Festival at Woodland for sure, have to call those folks and see when they plan to open.
18 feet? thats pretty close! You weren't tossing some chicken scratch out there to bait 'em in were you?
Posted by Craig Strand on March 25, 2009 at 11:31 PM
"Purina Sora Chow" works all the time!
Posted by Geoff Shapiro on March 26, 2009 at 4:49 AM
Craig, this is wonderful. I agree with Ned - this has got to be one of the best shots I've ever seen posted from you. You're inspiring me to get on out there and shoot (I've been working too hard lately).
Posted by Marc Dilley on March 26, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Great profile of this bird here! I love the detail and processing. I wonder what a reprocess would look like where you select everything but the Sora...and darken it considerably, bringing more focus on the bird. The bright background takes away a bit too much of the attention IMHO.
Sweet shot. I would be interested in what Rick suggested in processing as well, but certainly not a make or break issue. It's a great photograph.
Posted by Craig Strand on March 28, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Hey Rick, that's a good suggestion, I will try it.... I did burn the lighter cattail reeds on the left half with a layer mask as they were too bright. I like the contrast on the right half BG and don't want to darken that, so maybe somewhere in the middle. I appreciate the idea.
Nice shot! Good sense of motion and great detail. 18ft min focus distance wow!
Posted by John Williams on March 28, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Man Craig, you're blowing me away with your rail shots. I agree, this is one of your best. The detail here is fantastic. I love the composition too, spot on. I really like Rick's idea. Although I would be careful to not go overboard, I think that it would really make the bird look perfect.
Posted by Craig Strand on March 28, 2009 at 11:54 PM
"Thanks Rick," I tried your suggestion and it was a good one. After selecting everything but the bird I toned down everything else. As you mentioned, the slightly darker background is less distracting and helps the bird "pop" more. I appreciate your input, Craig
The Original is posted again below this reworked version
Posted by Craig Strand on March 28, 2009 at 11:55 PM
The original posting
Posted by Rick Lundh on March 30, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Craig,
I love your new rework... it really does emphasize the subject...
Discussion
16 repliesIt must be spring if you can find a Sora out foraging. I was at the refuge yesterday shooting a pair of virginia rails when this sora came strolling past them. I was very excited as all previous attempts at capturing this bird left lots to be desired. Please view the larger image in the avian gallery to appreciate the color and detail and check out the long toes!
Larger view- http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/largephoto.cgi?ref=118261
see reposted, reworked image below
Thanks for viewing, Craig
Canon 40D
Canon 600mm f4.l USM
F/4.0
1/500
ISO 320
You're really packin' some heat with that 600! Is this a crop or full frame composition?
Aaron, this is full frame, the disadvantage of the big lens here was the sora was within the 18ft minimum focus distance, had to back the car up slowly without alerting him to get in focus and put some canvas around the bird.
Ned, Yes, I wll be out at the Tulip Festival at Woodland for sure, have to call those folks and see when they plan to open.
The Original is posted again below this reworked version
I love your new rework... it really does emphasize the subject...