Common Raven

Gallery: AvianPosted September 28, 2010122 views10 comments

Common Raven (Corvus corax)

Place: Bosque del Apache NWR, NM
Date: December25, 2004
Equipment: Nikon D70, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), monopod from car window
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 200, 1/160th @ f/11
Raw, PSCS3 on Mac G4, 80% of frame

Another oldie, from my first serious outing with digital, re-worked for my blog and web site. Previously posted here at 600 pixels on 12/29/04. I've managed a bit more detail and better sharpness with this version.

This raven sat for us on a perfect perch along the Marsh Loop. I took a lot more frames than I would have the year before with film, but a lot less than I'd do today with digital experience.

I'd prefer softer warmer light (this was mid afternoon). A higher shutter speed would have given me more keepers. Fill flash would have helped with the darkest shadows.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Larger image provided.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on September 29, 2010 at 12:06 AM

I like the straightforward minimalist composition, perch and background, suits his expression and no-nonsense demeanor. These guys are everywhere out here but I have very few photos of them that I am satisfied, they are darn smart and camera shy.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Jorne de Bruin on September 29, 2010 at 7:59 AM

Nice portait and I like the way he looks on his perch (a little arrogant if you ask me

). The light is not ideal but I think you've handeld it very well here

Registered on June 26, 2008, 178 Posts, 2136 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on September 29, 2010 at 8:21 AM

Nice capsulation of what would have improved this image. Great way to learn how to do better. Thanks.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on September 29, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Ravens are common around here too but I still don't have anything I like for reasons mentioned by Gary. I agree with your own assessment of the image. I always enjoy it when you post images you've posted in the distant past Rich as I haven't seen most of them

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Webster on September 29, 2010 at 12:16 PM

Hi ya', Rich...By your own critique, you did what you could with such difficult lighting. There's nothing more I can add except to suggest keeping your flash close at hand.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 73 Posts, 644 Comments

Comment posted by Derrick Lipinski on September 29, 2010 at 10:17 PM

Nicely capture, Richard.

Registered on October 5, 2007, 58 Posts, 2039 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on September 30, 2010 at 1:31 PM

Richard,
you have already said everything, anyway the strong contrast given by the harsh light doesn't affect much the detail and the haughty pose of the bird makes the shot for me.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on October 2, 2010 at 1:25 PM

I really like his look and pose!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on October 2, 2010 at 1:57 PM

Rich,

I'm envious, this is a nemesis species for me. They are all over but fly away if you get close, though if they light sucks they seem to stick around just to taunt me. Love the simplicity of the comp, the pose of the raven and the great view of the head & eye. Very appealing image to me as presented

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on January 5, 2011 at 8:32 AM

Excellent exposure with this mid-afternoon light, you've pulled out some nice details in the shadowed area. I can see the distinct character of the bird here,
Well done

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments