Posted by Kurt Bowman on March 10, 2011 at 11:08 PM
I am hoping to get opinions on these shots that are different poses from the "normal bird in flight" shot. I want to ask this forum since most photographers on this site shoot landscape and not normally avian (although anyone is certainly welcome to give me their opinion and please do).
The reason I am looking for other opinions, is I think many people that shoot the same subjects all the time tend to get stuck inside the box and don't think outside of it sometimes. It makes it hard to learn new things, or think of new ideas.
Don't get me wrong...I think there are certainly some technical requirements to make a good shot. I am speaking more of the guidelines many people follow. While I think they are good to know and a good guide, I just don't feel they are all required for a good shot. For me...the first rule of a good shot, is it must invoke an emotion. To me, that is art.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on March 10, 2011 at 11:10 PM
#2 with an unusual flight pose
Posted by Kurt Bowman on March 10, 2011 at 11:11 PM
#3 with a busier BG
Posted by Kurt Bowman on March 10, 2011 at 11:15 PM
#4 with a unique look from the bird
Posted by Pam Colander on March 10, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Here's my take:
1 - Great focus, POV, and I really like the fully extended wings with the flights flipping up.
2 - Probably not the most attractive wing position but I do like that it is different. Nice detail throughout.
3 - Perfect flight pose. DOF choice makes the BG not an issue at all for me.
4 - My favorite actually of the four. Love the pose and eye. Was it preening or just chillin?
Posted by Kurt Bowman on March 10, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Thanks for the opinions, honesty and comments Pam! The last one was sort of a weird bird...he wasn't really preening, but he kept moving his head is really strange positions...he was cracking me up actually and I have about 3 others of him in even different and stranger positions.
Ya don't see many pans of wildlife except from Thomas Mangelson. They're all great but to me the first is exceptional and more original. It so reminds me of an aircraft coming in for a landing. Well done Kurt!
They're all outstanding in their own way. Rating impact on me: 3,4,1,2
4 is so personal and intimate; and 3 feels like the bird is breaking from the big group becasue of your DOF choice.
It's cool that you're taking a challenging technique and developing a new personal criterium!
Y'know, I enjoyed reading your words as much as viewing your work here.
An impact rating is a good idea...for me, it's 1, 4, 2 & 3. #1 really is the most unique and graceful of the lot, but they are all simply outstanding. Your 'development' work is nearly flawless, too.
I dont know what the 'rules' are for avian, but these all look fantastic to me. Ill rate them:
1(my easy pick--it looks like its totally weightless!), 2,4,3
Posted by Doug Koepsel on March 14, 2011 at 6:05 PM
#1 really accentuates the wingspans of the cranes. My favorite as it has a graceful flair.
The eye in #4 really stands out in a good way. The image does portray some of the birds behavioral mannerisms.
Discussion
11 repliesThe reason I am looking for other opinions, is I think many people that shoot the same subjects all the time tend to get stuck inside the box and don't think outside of it sometimes. It makes it hard to learn new things, or think of new ideas.
Don't get me wrong...I think there are certainly some technical requirements to make a good shot. I am speaking more of the guidelines many people follow. While I think they are good to know and a good guide, I just don't feel they are all required for a good shot. For me...the first rule of a good shot, is it must invoke an emotion. To me, that is art.
1 - Great focus, POV, and I really like the fully extended wings with the flights flipping up.
2 - Probably not the most attractive wing position but I do like that it is different. Nice detail throughout.
3 - Perfect flight pose. DOF choice makes the BG not an issue at all for me.
4 - My favorite actually of the four. Love the pose and eye. Was it preening or just chillin?
4 is so personal and intimate; and 3 feels like the bird is breaking from the big group becasue of your DOF choice.
It's cool that you're taking a challenging technique and developing a new personal criterium!
An impact rating is a good idea...for me, it's 1, 4, 2 & 3. #1 really is the most unique and graceful of the lot, but they are all simply outstanding. Your 'development' work is nearly flawless, too.
1(my easy pick--it looks like its totally weightless!), 2,4,3
The eye in #4 really stands out in a good way. The image does portray some of the birds behavioral mannerisms.