Shelduck in a storm

I dont know what it is about this photograph but everytime I come across it, it always stands out.
I always think the Shelduck are too small in the frame but I suppose the enormousness of the storm cloud behind balances that out.
It was interesting to see the storm cloud developing and getting darker. I was just glad the last rays of the sun lit the Shelduck up before the storm cloud engulfed the sun aswell.

Comments and crits welcome.

Regards
Ian

Canon 40D
Canon 500mm F4
ISO 400
1/1250sec at f/5.6

This is magic. Birds not too small in frame - just right. It all about scale and the power of nature and this nails it. The birds location just above and before the dip in the cloud is inspired. Vertical gives it a lot of weight too. Works on loads of levels, colour, composition, drama. A first class piece of work sir! We need more work like this (I like it!).

Sweet! Everything works for me here - the birds are small in the frame but I can see everything I need to ID them, the clouds and colours say 'storm brewing' which is great - all in all a fantastic image

I usually prefer the subject to be more dominant in the frame than this, but maybe because they are so beautifully lit, this really works for me. As Mark siad - fantastic.

This works really well. It looks as if the birds are heading for a port to weather out the storm, a pair of returning fighter jets after a battle etc...

Tim

Amazing shot, the birds are really detailed, despite being so small in the picture, and the colouring in the storm clouds are beautiful.

Stunning lighting and setting makes this a very impactful image.



Mark

This works a treat for me. I like to see the wider picture and the birds are just right with great lighting and a dramatic background. Great stuff

Works for me too.

David

This works really well Ian. It's a picture that seems to improve every time you revisit it.
Robert

Hi Ian, this is a cracking shot.

Hi Ian,

I love this too, works really well IMO, the small scale of the Shelducks against all that threatening sky makes the image for me.

Cheers,

Lewis.

Really nice image - I particularly like the 'cloud mountain'.

Cheers,
Chris

Wow, im blown away with all the positive comments on this so thank you all. Its gone down a storm!! I was really lucky with this image as everything came together when it needed to. Its one of those images you just cant plan at all and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Thank you all again for your comments.

Excellent shot Ian but I think you could lose a touch off the top. Still great as it is.

I would normally like to see the bird more but I really love this it all seems to work very well

I do want to see more of the detail of the birds, but then I don't, because then I'd lose the effect of the enormity of the storm - for that reason this is one of those images that I'd keep coming back too.

Very nice indeed

Thats is very nice indeed. It just proves that inclement weather makes for good photography providing you can see the opportuinity..

That is a really classy shot. Great impact. One of the most outstanding shots I have seen for a while.
Eric

Ian this for me is 'Thinking outside the box' like Des Ong's image. The storm as a BG really highlights the two birds this in turn emphasises the storm. A little cracker!

BTW Are the Shelducks sporting the St George colours

Steve

Lovely image,I really like the size of the subject in the frame and the portrait composition,very nice

Hello Ian.

Just excellent and love every thing about this image.

Very appealing.

Works well for me. Wonderful shot.

A lovely image and different from the norm which probably makes it all the better.

Works for me as well Ian

Des

Works for me Ian!

David

Sweet shot Ian. Love it!

Ian

Congrats Ian !!! this make a wonderful picture indeed, Top marks.

Very nice indeed

Paul

paulhobson.co.uk

That is just Awesome Ian.. I like this kind of work very much and wish sometimes I had the forethought to capture anything like it myself. Very moody image and detail enough to show me exactly what the birds are. Comp is great.. Brilliant.

Brett