Posted by Andy Elliott on October 26, 2009 at 5:40 PM
This image is a composite of two image taken within seconds of each other (there is only one bird - obvious given the unlikely scenario of two adult males on one branch). This demonstrates the merits of a steady tripod, remote release and mirror lock-up (1/100s at an e.f.l of 700mm). I think the composition of apparently two birds giving the other the 'cold shoulder' works well. Crop is approximately 50% of the frame width (camera was orientated in portrait position).
Much merit should be directed at Jeff Harrison for his invaluable advice in photographing these elusive and easily spooked birds.
Cheers
Andy
Olympus E-3
350/2.8 Zuiko OM @f5.6
1/100s, centre-weighted -0.7EV
ISO 250
Posted by Liam Pauling on October 26, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Great shot Andy, I would be happy to get this as like you said they are not the easiest bird to photography
I like the idea here but I'm afraid its not for me, with the two birds looking close to the side of the frame and looking out my eye just keeps being drawn out of the image...
Posted by Peter Woods on October 27, 2009 at 4:52 AM
Andy
Very well executed, I like it and think the fact both birds (I know one) are looking out of frame balances the image. I do not find my eye being drawn out of the image, but that is me. Well done
Posted by TOMFINLEY on October 27, 2009 at 5:09 AM
Good technical stuff, and it works for me. Nicely composed
Posted by Rob Ashton on October 27, 2009 at 6:31 AM
A great idea that has worked well.
Rob
Posted by Ian Macdermott on October 27, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Nice idea Andy and well executed
but I find it a bit too distracting having two birds in the same frame and at different levels
Posted by Adam Seward on October 27, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Its a nice image but I'm not too keen on manipulating an image like this one to that degree.
Posted by Andy Elliott on October 27, 2009 at 3:21 PM
The original set from which these two images were combined are available here:
Discussion
8 repliesMuch merit should be directed at Jeff Harrison for his invaluable advice in photographing these elusive and easily spooked birds.
Cheers
Andy
Olympus E-3
350/2.8 Zuiko OM @f5.6
1/100s, centre-weighted -0.7EV
ISO 250
Very well executed, I like it and think the fact both birds (I know one) are looking out of frame balances the image. I do not find my eye being drawn out of the image, but that is me. Well done
Rob
but I find it a bit too distracting having two birds in the same frame and at different levels
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/elliott.aje.andy/KingfishersFowlmere5#
I got some other shots of the same bird, but hand-held, okay, but not as good:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/elliott.aje.andy/KingfishersFowlmere4#
Andy