The watcher+repost

Sometimes I find it very difficult to make up my mind which format best suits a subject. Here is a case in point. This was the first of two kestrels that I encountered on Sunday. This one was scanning from one of three posts that are vey close together. When he was on the top post I shot in landscape, when on the lower, nearer post I shot in portrait. I am uncertain which of these works best, although my personal preference is for the landscape shot. I would be really interested to know the views of others.

David

Nikon D200, 600mm Nikon, beanbag using car as hide, 400iso, 1/100th @ f5.6 (landscape), 1/80th @ f5.6 (portrait)

The portrait shot...

I like them both very much David, have been backwards and forwards several times, but do think I prefer the landscape - it just seems more complete as a composition.

hi ya david, i also think the landscape works best, due to the portrait shot having the post right on the tail.

Great shots David, I prefer the landscape mainly because of the background hues. Judging by your settings I guess it was a bit dark!


liam.

lovely shot and I like the landscape one the best agree about the tail looking better on the landscape one

Landscape for me too.

I've been shooting pics of these today, and find at low shutter speeds even the vibration of the van is enough to spoil the crispness of the shot. Well done for getting these both sharp.

I think I might be inclined to clone out the lower stump in the landscape pic. It doesn't contribute anything, it just blocks the birds line of view. Just a thought.

David the portrait holds the moment more intensly in the eyes. and gives sense of the hunt.

It's very hard to say sometimes when looking at your own work.
Just to add another thought, have you thought of a square image at the same size as your two longest borders?

Either way lovely colours on both, very nice image
Nigel

Hi David

I think your first post is the better of the two, as the image & composition lends itself to that format. I would be tempted to just tweak in in curves or add a tad more contrast to give it a bit more 'punch' and remove the 'bird ****'' from the r/h post. It's a good, natural, habitat shot.

Steve

Thanks for the advice everybody. I have gone with the majority for the landscape picture (my favourite to begin with anyway), and followed Mike's and Steve's advice in particular. I can't think why it never occurred to me to take out that bit of wood on the right before.

I much prefer the second landscape version, now attached. Thanks again for the advice.

David

now that you have removed the offending bit of wood I'd prefer to see this in portrait format (personally I prefer portrait for this type of shot (bird on a post )

cheers

Colin

Much nicer David. Nice to be able return the compliment you gave me recently.

The third and final version is superb!

I like them both. If I can I always try to get a horizontal and a vertical shot so I can make up my mind at home.

great stuff

Edwin Kats

I know that post... Nice one, It looks good on my iPod, will have have a good look when my computer is set up. Third is the best for me, I wouldalso remove the bit of wood to left as well.

Hello David.

I think the landscape format does suit this the best but I think I might crop a little from the top and right just make the bird sit higher in the frame.

The last one is the best for me David but I would be very happy with any of them,lovely