Posted by Barry Southon on January 19, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Invited back to do time in the USA and just returned. I kinda stepped out of the box and played with some new toys or perhaps some will say fell out of the box you be the judge.
I was out targeting Bald Eagles alongside a steep river bank masses of old trees and branches dead leaves etc. The Belted Kingfisher caught my eye with the 1DX and the 800mm combination hand held a blur was the intention I was positioned behind the bird. Having noted comments on the forum about busy backgrounds I still wanted to make the shot.
1/2500sec f/5.6 ISO640 800mm RAW to lightroom then played with Nik software I got a warm glow just found it pleasing eliminating the harsh tree branches yes it's different to a degree but still a bird on a stick. PS5 resized to post. 30M from subject.
Critique, Comments, Advice most welcomed as always
Thanks for looking.
Posted by David Taylor on January 19, 2013 at 11:31 AM
I think an inch off the bottom of the image, to reduce the impact of the branch the bird is standing on, as it draws my eye away from the rest of the scene. The diffused BG complements the bird's plumage perfectly.
Posted by Phil Ellard on January 19, 2013 at 12:47 PM
I like the overall affect i think it is very effective and find the colours really good. For me thoughi find the blurring on the bottom over the tail overpowering and detrimental to the effect. i also feel i need more detail in the birds face, if i could make out an eye that would be perfect, But as i said, overall i like it
Hi Barry,agree with Phil's comment but I must say how much I really like your very different shot Keith.
Posted by David Sewell on January 20, 2013 at 6:15 AM
I agree with previous comments, especially Keith's. Well done for thinking outside the box.
David
Posted by Bob Johnson on January 20, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Its certainly different Barry and no one will fault you for trying. For me I am not sure about it and I think it is because the bird is looking out of the shot
Regarding the perch, perhaps you could try to clone out the bottom half and have it just appearing out of the gloom
Bob
Posted by Barry Southon on January 20, 2013 at 3:43 PM
Many thanks for the comments and suggestions its very much work in progress, and subject to more adjustments and interpretations. I indicated that I really felt this one had potential just wasn't sure how to bring it out.
Posted by Nick Mckeown on January 20, 2013 at 4:28 PM
The BG looks like animal hair or fur and I keep thinking it is a lion walking through the bush and then I see the bird. Thought provoking image Barry.
Discussion
8 repliesI was out targeting Bald Eagles alongside a steep river bank masses of old trees and branches dead leaves etc. The Belted Kingfisher caught my eye with the 1DX and the 800mm combination hand held a blur was the intention I was positioned behind the bird. Having noted comments on the forum about busy backgrounds I still wanted to make the shot.
1/2500sec f/5.6 ISO640 800mm RAW to lightroom then played with Nik software I got a warm glow just found it pleasing eliminating the harsh tree branches yes it's different to a degree but still a bird on a stick. PS5 resized to post. 30M from subject.
Critique, Comments, Advice most welcomed as always
Thanks for looking.
David
Regarding the perch, perhaps you could try to clone out the bottom half and have it just appearing out of the gloom
Bob
Nick.
Oscar