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Barn Swallow
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Barn Swallow

by Dennis Plank

Gallery: AvianPosted August 22, 2010139 views11 comments
There were a trio of Barn Swallows perched on a fence on my morning walk a week ago. Given the angle, there's a lot of shadow on the bird, but I think it still works. The high f-stop is because I was trying for shot of all three (it didn't work), and didn't open it up when I got close enough to isolate one of them.

7D, 300mm f4 + 1.4TC, Hand Held, f10, 1/200s, iso 500, Av mode,no compensation, cropped to 52% of the original. Normal processing in CS4. Taken at 6:45am on August 14th. The 7D and some other of the latest generation of cameras have been generating a subject distance, which I've been reporting. Nate noticed that they seemed odd, and after some experimenting, I have decided that they're not accurate enough to bother with.

I always appreciate your comments and criticisms.

Thanks for looking,

Comments

11 comments
Comment posted by Eric Diller on August 22, 2010 at 9:11 PM
I like the light on the bird...well captured!
Registered on October 2, 2009, 69 Posts, 434 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Ditch on August 22, 2010 at 9:20 PM
From the gape it looks to be a young bird.

I like the light and find the shadows are not a problem - I think they help define the three dimensional form of the swallow. I also like the subdued tones and subtle shades of tan.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on August 22, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Great warm lighting on the swallow and perch. The shadow is not a problem and the bg is really sweet.
Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 22, 2010 at 11:56 PM
Richard said "From the gape it looks to be a young bird". I meant to include that in the description, but forgot. It was indeed a trio of juveniles. Probably raised in a horse & mule shed just down the road from where I found them. :wavey:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Steve Balke on August 23, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Beautiful shot, Dennis. Interestingly it's not a shot showing the bird habitat or behavior. Also, it's not one where we can see plenty of detail of the bird (quite a bit is in shadows). I think it works because it has artistic merit. The lighting and comp are very attractive. :toast:
Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments
Comment posted by Giorgio Gregori on August 23, 2010 at 5:12 PM
Very nice, the wonderful light and warm brown tones make the difference.
Giorgio
Registered on November 16, 2007, 87 Posts, 793 Comments
Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on August 23, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Love the light here Dennis. Great light and shadow play at work. Glad the wire was rusty as it adds interest to the image. Neat shot.
Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on August 24, 2010 at 12:35 AM
The colors work really well together here Dennis, I like the sidelighting too. :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Rob Drummond on August 24, 2010 at 6:49 AM
Emphasises the early morning nature of the shot Dennis - well done

cheers
Rob
Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on August 24, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Great work Dennis, really like the light and tones :toast:
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by Michael Lotito on August 24, 2010 at 12:29 PM
The browns are outstanding in this shot! :toast:
Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments