Red Grouse

Photo of the rarely seen and beautiful female Red Grouse pausing for a second as she looks at me while she was picking away at the lichen on these huge,wind-shaped rocks that litter the landscape of the Peak District.I liked the texture and feel of these rocks and have composed it like this to try and convey the size of these rocks in this image,which the grouse shelter in,amongst this tough and unforgiving environment they live in.After a walk to the summit they make a great place to hide away in and wait for these very jump and one of my favorite birds to hopefully turn up,the layed background is the valley beneath.

All Comments And Advice Welcome

Tech;
Nikon D300
Nikon F4VR600
F5.6,1/100
iso 400,+0.3ev
Matrix
PP-CS3,Full Frame
Thanks For Looking

My first reaction on looking at this was that there was too much rock, but after reading your intentions when taking the pic I can understand why you left it in.

Brilliant shot of the bird, and the tones in the bg are very nice.

Just look at them boots Craig and no laces either.
Smart bird and a great looking BG would prefer a bit of a head turn so that we can see an eyelight but only minor.

Major

Just a slight catchlight for you Major the weather became a little overcast when I took these images so the light was fading,hope you like it

Wowzers Matey hoe i like this series!!!..
Wonderful pastel colors and crisp detail in those feathers.

Stunning stuff Craig!

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel

I slightly prefer the second, but would be pleased to have taken either.

David

Great shot Craig, love the background suits the bird really well.


liam.

great image and beautiful colours

A beauty! The background makes it. Second one for me.

Hello Craig

Got to love Red Grouse and you have captured this one very nice, love the pose and background, great shot.

Danny

Hi Craig - like the pose and BG, but the red colours of the bird seem a touch oversaturated or compressed to me - if you've adjusted levels/curves, then it maybe that the black point is too high.

Hey Craig

Nicely shot with subtle light colors, good stuff

Cheers

Andy

Thank you all for your kind words and advice,Nick the black point in 'levels' is a little high you are right, just lowered it but won't post a third image due to space on forum etc,but thank you for pointing that out

Nits covered Craig but love the pastel colours of the BG and detail on the bird. Maybe a little of of the top IMO but really like the setting and so very well seen and executed.

Brett

Agree with the nits but I like the soft pastel tones to this one Craig.

Mark

I am a bit late with this one, sorry. The second one for me Craig, although both are lovely. I love the clean b/g and those pastel colours are great. Well done .

Fran