Monday, October 08, 2007
Western Sandpipers, Ready for Take Off
This is not a new image (as Colin will know), but I just recently processed it.
Although the rest of the birds appear to be sleeping, I did not get even a single image after this one -- they all flew, alarmed by another photographer's approach.
Permalink / posted by and copyright of Christina : 9:31 PM
Comments:
I only have about 2 minutes of my lunch break left but I have to say how impressed I am with this image. The lighting is superb especialy the head being in the shadow making it stand out against the sleeping background. The wings are beautiful and captured ..............................gotta go
at just the right moment.
The pattern in the background has a harmony that adds to the sense of environment.
The reflections are neither too indistinct to not be there nor too distinct to provide a distraction.
I'll put this one down as a favourite.
I'm with Rex about the harmony effect with the backgound. You have a great color pallet with this and many of your images, almost monotone. I also like the water reflection with this image.
I'm with Rex about the harmony effect with the backgound. You have a great color pallet with this and many of your images, almost monotone. I also like the water reflection with this image.
Leaving aside the considerable photographic merits on display here I feel that this gives me an insight into the habitat of the bird despite being such a sliver of information.
A local wildlife photographer came to give our phot society a talk the other day on...Florida. He had some lovely shots and some amusing tales (particularly about how nearly every local he met wondered why he was photographing x, y or z bird and not a 'gator!). He shot mainly round your area and when he showed a group of photographers he met I had to ask the name of the woman in the picture. He didn't know but said she was a student so I presumed it wasn't you!
What superb detail, background and lighting. Though I cannot see the eye at this size I'm sure it's there at bigger sizes. Not sure about all the reflection though and whether it adds anything. I'd say you could lose the bottom quarter and this would still be a strong shot. The wings and that soft 'V' is really catching my attention - it's a strong combination of power and fragility.
Thanks for your comments. I'm now wondering why it took me so long to process this one!
John -- so true about the "gators". Sometimes well meaning people (locals and tourists) scare away the subject you spent ages creeping up on -- while doing you the big favor of telling you where the alligator is!
The lighting is superb, both warm and vivid. And the detail in the wings is fascinating. Compositionally though, this leaves me a bit flat. The foreground space seems a bit wasted, and there isn't quite enough separation between the subject and the background.
All that aside, I'd echo John's comments about this provide some insight into the birds' behavior and habitat.
Sorry for joining in late.
I find this a bit cramped at the top, whereas the reflection doesn't add enough for its relative size. That said, the colours and detail both still do entrance.
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The pattern in the background has a harmony that adds to the sense of environment.
The reflections are neither too indistinct to not be there nor too distinct to provide a distraction.
I'll put this one down as a favourite.
A local wildlife photographer came to give our phot society a talk the other day on...Florida. He had some lovely shots and some amusing tales (particularly about how nearly every local he met wondered why he was photographing x, y or z bird and not a 'gator!). He shot mainly round your area and when he showed a group of photographers he met I had to ask the name of the woman in the picture. He didn't know but said she was a student so I presumed it wasn't you!
John -- so true about the "gators". Sometimes well meaning people (locals and tourists) scare away the subject you spent ages creeping up on -- while doing you the big favor of telling you where the alligator is!
All that aside, I'd echo John's comments about this provide some insight into the birds' behavior and habitat.
I find this a bit cramped at the top, whereas the reflection doesn't add enough for its relative size. That said, the colours and detail both still do entrance.