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Cygnet in Spotlight

Discussion

19 replies
Posted by Ian Mason on September 2, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Cygnet in Spotlight
1D2n, 600mm f4 is, 1/320s, f6.3, iso 400.

I’d had this image in my mind for a long time before the conditions came together. I was aware of a shaft of setting sun illuminating a small area of the pond, near overhanging grass. It had to be a bird with neutral tones to contrast with the dark background and the bird had to follow the correct route when the water was flat! This cygnet eventually obliged. Comments and critique are valued as always – especially as I’ve just calibrated my monitor for the first time in 2 years (impressive difference by the way!).

LARGER VERSION
Posted by Justin on September 2, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Stunning bird, angle and light. Only minor nit is the very faint out of focus grasses which catch the eye a little. Should be easy enough to 'lose' if you felt the need.
:toast:
Posted by Marcus Conway on September 2, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Beautiful, delicate image. I agree about the twigs, but that's a minor thing for me :toast:
Posted by Colin Crowdey on September 2, 2009 at 6:43 PM
superb - one of your best - love the droplets of water - you could clone out the twigs, but I'm ok with them in myself - nice catchlight in the eye - well thought out image.

cheers

Colin
Posted by Maggie Campbell on September 2, 2009 at 6:44 PM
A beautiful image Ian. The detail is excellent. The colours and light stunning. The reflection and water droplets just make the whole image. :toast: :smile: :wavey:
Posted by David Taylor on September 2, 2009 at 6:51 PM
A superbly crafted image. Excellent.

:toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by Andy Stunell on September 3, 2009 at 1:14 AM
a stunning image, and thankyou for sharing the thought process behind getting it, must be very rewarding to get the image you wanted :toast:

I love the reflection and the tone of the water, and the pose is great, the water droplets finish it nicely and i dont mind the grass

Andy
Posted by Tim Munsey on September 3, 2009 at 2:08 AM
Beautiful image, never an ugly duckling. Great 3D feel.

Tim
Posted by David Kjaer on September 3, 2009 at 3:17 AM
Beautiful Ian - love the light and water droplets!

David :toast: :toast:
Posted by Tim Taylor on September 3, 2009 at 3:22 AM
A magical image Ian. Very well thought through and executed.

Tim :toast:
Posted by John Varley on September 3, 2009 at 4:23 AM
Love this Ian, wouldn't alter a thing. :toast: :toast:

John
Posted by Matt Cole on September 3, 2009 at 4:33 AM
the light and pose are just perfect Ian. A great shot.

Matt
Posted by Jeroen Stel on September 3, 2009 at 4:44 AM
Wonderful light and low POV!
The droplets are a bonus!

Well done!

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel
Posted by Kim Connolly on September 3, 2009 at 4:45 AM
A wonderful composition, it has everything - as said, and I would not change any of it. :toast:
Posted by eric weight on September 3, 2009 at 4:59 AM
Another superb shot Ian. It elevates a common and taken-for-granted subject to a new level.
:toast: Eric
Posted by Andy Astbury on September 3, 2009 at 5:27 AM
All been said Ian - I'm getting very envious of this location of yours, it's a real treasure with the PoVit affords you.

Nice one :wavey:
Posted by PhilH on September 3, 2009 at 5:33 AM
Another super image from your pool... we are all jealous of it... I only have one very minor nit which is the OOF dark vegitation (I assume) on the right hand side of the image...

:toast: :toast: :wavey: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Brett Lewis on September 3, 2009 at 6:35 AM
Nit mentioned but for me it is stunning in every aspect. Very well executed Ian.. Full kudos..

Brett :toast: :toast:
Posted by Mark Sisson on September 3, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Peaceful and dreamy image Ian - you've a great site there giving you some super material.

:toast:

Mark
Posted by Dave Bartlett on September 3, 2009 at 6:22 PM
All been said. Superb shot :toast: