Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · UKNP

Water rail...but....

Discussion

10 replies
Posted by Dawn Monrose on February 20, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Water rail...but....
Rallus aquaticus

Hi folks,

Here's one from yesterday. I think you probably know what I'm going to say when I say 'but'... This was taken from a public hide, and so the shooting angle was awful, I must of been shooting from a height of about 10ft! Still it was great to see one of these birds out in the open. So what do you guys think - keep or bin?!

Techs:
D300s, 500mm f4 lens.
1/100sec @ f8 ISO 320 -0.7 exp comp.

Shadows/highlights, reduce contrast a bit, sharpen for web

C and C most welcome!

Thanks for looking!


:wavey:
Posted by David Sewell on February 20, 2012 at 12:12 PM
I think it depends what else you have of this species, Dawn. I have only got a couple of shots of water rails, and they also were taken looking down. I wouldn't hesitate to keep this for a moment. On the other hand, if I had a hard drive full of images of the species all taken at water level I might be more inclined to bin it. One thing I would be tempted to do is to clone out that blade of grass or sedge that crosses the body, and which I find quite intrusive.

Hope that helps.

David
Posted by John Robinson on February 20, 2012 at 12:36 PM
I think it depends on what you have alreaddy Dawn
Wait and see what you get in the future. Its good enough except for the one rush in front but no big deal.
JohnR
Posted by Bob Johnson on February 20, 2012 at 1:09 PM
It would be a keeper for me Dawn as it is out in the open and in good light but I think removing the reed would make it better. :wink:

Bob :smile:
Posted by David Taylor on February 20, 2012 at 1:42 PM
Keep it until you think you have taken a better one if/when the occasion arises. The beauty of digital. :smile: :wink:
Posted by Robert Lawrence on February 20, 2012 at 1:59 PM
It's a damn sight better than any I have so it would definitely be a keeper for me. It may be from an elevated viewpoint but at least that has given it an uniform background and as has been pointed out already the lighting is nice.
Posted by Nick Mckeown on February 20, 2012 at 2:09 PM
Great image Dawn...the advice given is sound so nothing further to add on that. Agree with possibly cloning out the stem across the body and also possibly the two crossing at the back of the bill which would leave it clean looking especially as its quite a feature of the bird.....again the beauty of digital. If it was mine I too would be delighted with it and has been mentioned on my goat post its nice to see an image that does not have a clean BG.

Nick. :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :wavey:
Posted by keith mitchell on February 20, 2012 at 3:17 PM
Hi Dawn.
Not an easy bird to get,agree with the bits covered but you still have a very good image.

Keith. :smile:
Posted by Philip Kirkham on February 21, 2012 at 4:38 AM
I agree with the other comments, especially about the reed, and I would certainly keep it. As someone who now sells a great deal of images to the public, I can tell you that most keen birders would positively drool at this image!
Best wishes
Phil
Posted by Dawn Monrose on February 21, 2012 at 4:15 PM
Thank you all for your kind comments! I'll have a go at removing that reed stem. It's the first time I've photographed one, so I'll keep it!!! :biggrin:

:toast:
Posted by Ian Macdermott on February 22, 2012 at 1:48 PM
Hi Dawn,

Really nice picture of a bird in its environment, the high point of view is fine by me. :toast:

There's always another day to get the "perfect" shot. :smile: