Reflection

[OviV]

Another Egret shot. Tell me what you think, please.

http://www.shareapicture.com/vsalbum/getpic.aspx?fld=\OviV\Photography\2004-02-21%20Everglades&pic=125_2528_800.jpg&OV=0

[Shabookie]

The bird looks good as does the bottom half of the picture. The reflection is really nice.
The top half of the picture is just too blurry for my taste.

[Shakey]

Not to bad ,however I believe it could do with some croping on the left hand side and on the top.


Cheers,

Shakey

[OviV]

How is this?

http://www.shareapicture.com/vsalbum/getpic.aspx?fld=\OviV\Photography\2004-02-21%20Everglades&pic=125_2528_Crop_800.jpg&OV=0

[JadeCat]

[quote="OviV"]Another Egret shot. Tell me what you think, please.

Nice photo.
Personally, I would crop the top and the left, as suggested. But in your second attempt, I would have cropped less on the top and more on the left, making it a "taller, but thinner" crop.

I actually like seeing more of the green foliage at the top, because I think it gives more of a sense of persepective on the egret

[Leighow]

1: It is a lovely shot -- but I find the bird to be a bit out of focus -- at least the eyes (which re pretty key).

2: But on your website, the 1st Egret image is the best of the bunch. Its better because it offers us a better sense of the bird's world. Its more 3D -- lest "linear".

3: What camera?
What time of day?
Was this easy for you , i.e. you stopped the car, walked up slowly, tooh the shot ?
Have you examined a dozen Egret shots to see the variety of the bird's habitat ?

4: Anywas I was surprised that the reflection does not "buy" a higer rating. No, the 1st shot at your web site is twice as good as this one.

5: Which shot do you think is best and why? Do you year to be a wildlife photographer ?

[OviV]

Leighow,

My response:

1) The bird is a bit soft due to the limitations of my equipment (see 3 below). It is not as soft on the original, though. The resize for forum causes it to be less defined.

2) The 1st egret on the website is a different bird (at least I think it is) on a different day and time of day (I put them in the same album out of laziness). The lighting on the fist egret was much more favorable.

3) Canon Digital Rebel with 75-300 Non-USM, Non-IS. It was taken around 2:30 PM in bright sun light. I used flash for fill although I am not sure how much it affected the picture from the distance. I'm not sure what you mean by "was it easy". I did not have to crawl through mud to get the shot if that's what you mean ;). I actually live on the edge of the Florida Everglades so I am very familiar with where the birds are likely to be and I sat there in my car and waited.

4) This shot was as a result of some of the input that I received on the first one. I tried to abide by the "Rule of Thirds". I tried to get the reflection in the shot on purpose and tried to frame the shot as much as possible by the "rules" from the beginning to try to avoid as much PS manipulation as possible.

5) I agree with you that the first shot is better due to much more attractive sorroundings, and brighter color due to much better lighting. I believe the second shot would have been much better under better lighting conditions but I shoot when I can. I do not yearn to be a wildlife photographer. I already have a satisfying career. Photography is a hobby but one that I wish to excel in. Wildlife photography is my favorite and I am fortunate to live in a place with plenty. I also have a passion for the Everglades.

Thanks for your input,
Ovi

[Leighow]

Leighow,

My response:

1) The bird is a bit soft due to the limitations of my equipment (see 3 below). It is not as soft on the original, though. The resize for forum causes it to be less defined.
GREAT: You have a super camera.

2) The 1st egret on the website is a different bird (at least I think it is) on a different day and time of day (I put them in the same album out of laziness). The lighting on the fist egret was much more favorable.

WELL: The 1st is a super image. Just super


3) Canon Digital Rebel with 75-300 Non-USM, Non-IS. It was taken around 2:30 PM in bright sun light. I used flash for fill although I am not sure how much it affected the picture from the distance. I'm not sure what you mean by "was it easy". I did not have to crawl through mud to get the shot if that's what you mean ;). I actually live on the edge of the Florida Everglades so I am very familiar with where the birds are likely to be and I sat there in my car and waited.

Well it lools like mid afternoon (although this time of the year I am not sure what that means !). It sure is bright. I'd shade the lens. The pros often go for the magic hours but that means a tripod and a bit longer shutter speed. It sounds like you are in an ideal location. I think that you have a flare for these shots. You ought to be able to post some marvelous images. I am a bit of a chicken, an would need the car to avoid snakes and crocs !


4) This shot was as a result of some of the input that I received on the first one. I tried to abide by the "Rule of Thirds". I tried to get the reflection in the shot on purpose and tried to frame the shot as much as possible by the "rules" from the beginning to try to avoid as much PS manipulation as possible.

Well you are quite right. . I think that a "landscape" might have been easier. Even so, the problem seems to be that there are no dynamic lines that lead anywhere. The water lillies are a nice backdrop however. The grey of the water is priceless. And the feet on the wood log are wonderful -- but probably woould work best in a close-up or cropped enlargement. On close the image is a bit flat.

5) I agree with you that the first shot is better due to much more attractive sorroundings, and brighter color due to much better lighting. I believe the second shot would have been much better under better lighting conditions but I shoot when I can. I do not yearn to be a wildlife photographer. I already have a satisfying career. Photography is a hobby but one that I wish to excel in. Wildlife photography is my favorite and I am fortunate to live in a place with plenty. I also have a passion for the Everglades.

Well with your location, camera, flare, and compositional skills you should be able to do a bang up job.

Thanks for filling in the detail.


PS:
I hope that you joind CDS and other 300mm lens members in their/our quest to "win, place or show" in the wildlife photo club contest .

PPS:
I hope you reviewed the material posted under http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26272 It's great food for thought when you have birds like this around. The "tutorials" include discussion of '(i) the importance of the bird's eye, (ii) time of day (a bit later 'cause the try to get refllections off the eye), (iii)"blinds" for getting closer, and (iv)looking at the compositional issues.

Thanks for your input,

Ovi