Fulica americana
From my previous Tricolored Heron post:
My next several posts will have sort of a theme going. Else where on the web I have seen some posts that I found interesting but several people who critiqued the images have talked about having the head angle 2 degrees this way or three degrees another. I've pondered those critiques and personally there are times when I think different head angles; even those that do not show the "perfect head turn" can be very compelling images.
So I thought I would post a few of my photos where the head angle isn't perfect but where I find that I like the images despite the lack of direct eye contact. I am curious about what you think of these so please let me know.
In this image the head angle might not be considered ideal, there is no direct eye contact or catchlight in the eye but I still feel that this is a compelling and interesting image because of the head angle and the bird's pose. I have more images of this coot where the head angle would be considered "better" but they do not have the same effect on me that this one does.
D200, on Gitzo CF tripod, Black Widow head, F7.1, 1/500, ISO 250, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, 55% of original image, natural light.
This was taken at a nearby neighborhood pond, the background reflection on the water consists of mixed phragmites, dirt banks and snow covered ground. I'll also post a small version of a vertical crop.
As always, I sincerely appreciate your comments & critiques, thank you for looking and for indulging me with this theme.
Comments
21 commentsI also prefer the original to the cropped.
- Luke
Sometime people want to see "studio type" Images on wild birds,this will be ideal but very dificult to achieve congrats on this spectacular Image Lia.
I can't make my mind up which crop I prefer..I think I'm leaning towards to original, because of the cool effects in the water at the top left of the photo.
I'm all for different head angles as long as the bird isn't facing the other way !
I also find the pose appealing, even without the traditional head turn. I think you've got a great idea here - to explore some other venues. Perhaps we sometimes get caught up in what is "expected" at the expense of some other perfectly viable options. I will follow your series with interest.
I prefer the original version because the interesting water that Ron B. sees surrounding the bird is truncated in the vertical crop and I like the continuation of water in the horizontal version. The unusual head position is not disconcerting because we do see the one red eye (as Luke mentioned) and because the head is further defined in the reflection. The water trickles on the breast add a lot. Exposure is perfect.
First version is the one I like best - perhaps I might have done the comp with the Coot slightly higher in the frame, but it's a stunner as it is.
Don't regard direct eye contact as a 'must' - it's always nicer to see images of wildlife "doing stuff that wildlife does" - this means that they are not looking at the camera. But you still need to see an eye clearly, it's never really easy to achieve but well worth persevering with as you will end up with some real crackers.
Top class image Mia
cheers
Rob
an interesting pose and excellent exposure. Really nice images!!
I fully agree with your views. I prefer the first image because the water is flattering to the main subject and it shows more of it. I haven't noticed the color at the top of the bill on coots before this image. I like this shot.
Tony