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

Swallow

Discussion

17 replies
Posted by Simon Litten on June 4, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Swallow
Hi all

After being frustrated by my local swallow flock for the past three years, they've FINALLY decided to start perching at eye-level!
Seeing that it was going to be a bright overcast evening, I parked at the site, camo'ed up the car window, stuck the camera on a bean bag and waited. Pretty soon their familiar chirping surrounded the car and one by one they landed in front of me. Swallow heaven! They are stunning birds close up and the overcast lighting really highlighted the range of blues in their plumage. Such a treat to see. I'll definately be back for more :biggrin:


Simon

Canon 1dIII 500mm+1.4x f6.3 1/200 iso 640
Posted by Drew Mellowship on June 4, 2009 at 7:12 PM
WOW !

That looks really nice, i love how you have captured the colours here, it works really weell for me, well done !

Drew :smile:
Posted by Robert Lawrence on June 5, 2009 at 2:25 AM
A lovely capture Simon, excellent detail and the exposure is spot on. Also like the graduated background which halos around the head. If I had one minor niggle it would be that the eyes are a bit 'lifeless', perhaps it's just the compression and small image size on screen but to me they could do with a stronger catch light.
Cheers
Robert
Posted by Scott Tilley on June 5, 2009 at 2:36 AM
Hi Simon, a really nice capture, agree with Robert, perhaps a slight head turn would make the eyes more obvious but this is a minor niggle on an otherwise lovely shot. :toast:

Scott
Posted by Craig Jones on June 5, 2009 at 3:11 AM
Vert nice,beautiful colours, well taken :wink: :wink: :wavey:
Posted by keith mitchell on June 5, 2009 at 3:18 AM
Hi Simon.
I would certainly go back for more,excellent shot.
:toast: :toast:
Keith.
Posted by Simon Litten on June 5, 2009 at 4:37 AM
Any better? I posted the first image as I was processing the shoot, this one was a few frames along. I think this one's probably more appealing. No great catchlight because of the overcast weather. Could've added one in photoshop I suppose but then the photo becomes a lie and I'd never be happy with myself!


Simon
Posted by Ian Mason on June 5, 2009 at 4:42 AM
This is great. Very nice to see the subtle colours and fine detail. D'you know, I don't recall ever seeing a swallow on a natural perch - wonder what they used before wire was invented?
Posted by Brett Lewis on June 5, 2009 at 6:11 AM
Really nice work Simon, I particularly like the second post although both are very good. I love the subtle colours in the blacks and the stunning rufescent face patch. Great stuff..!

Brett :toast: :toast:
Posted by Robert Lawrence on June 5, 2009 at 6:31 AM
Much prefer the second post Simon. Although overcast, the catchlight in the eye has put the life back into the bird. Excellent shot.

Robert
Posted by David Sewell on June 5, 2009 at 6:38 AM
Both good shots, but like others I much prefer the second one.

David
Posted by Major Gilbert on June 5, 2009 at 7:21 AM
Second much better Simon. Being able to see the eye and catchlight makes a whole load of difference. :toast:

Major.
Posted by John Robinson on June 5, 2009 at 12:42 PM

Second post much better. Very nice shot.
JohnR
Posted by Liam Pauling on June 5, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Great shots I prefer the second one, I wish my locals would perch eye level!!


:toast:
Posted by Bertl Menegoni on June 5, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Stunning !!
Never saw one this close.
Posted by Lewis Thomson on June 6, 2009 at 1:36 PM

Hi Simon,

Both cracking shots, great colours!

Cheers,

Lewis.
:toast:
Posted by Guy Rogers on June 6, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Hello Simon.

Totally stunning cant remember ever seeing a nicer shot of one of these.

Both shots are excellent.

:wavey: :wavey: :wavey:
Posted by Justin on June 7, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Love the repost :toast: