Fearless Flyers (recomp)

Gallery: AvianPosted December 5, 2010196 views13 comments

NOTE: Please scroll down to see the new version, with original birds retained and room added to the right side. Thanks.

Well it's been awhile since I thought I had anything worthwhile to add to this amazing gallery. Some may think this is not worthy either!! I was just out for a few hours yesterday in some very cold weather with intermittent snow squalls. I was amazed to see these Canada geese and some ducks going about business as usual.

Thought it made for an interesting image. ISO-80, 1/200th at f-4.0. Thanks for looking, a larger version is posted.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 5, 2010 at 8:52 AM

Bill,

This has anice, wintery feel to it, makes me feel I need to brush snow off of my face and eye lashes. My suggestion would be to add more space on the right side of the frame if you have it in the original file to give space for the lead geese to have room to fly into. At first I thought I'd make the a pano crop and take some off of the bottom but after reflecting on that I would not take any thing off the bottom, those bare trees at the bottom add interest imho.

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

Comment posted by David E Lester on December 5, 2010 at 9:02 AM

I like it also !!

Registered on March 24, 2010, 155 Posts, 793 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on December 5, 2010 at 12:26 PM

Bill,
I really like this snowy image and the title you chose. These birds are really fearless.
I agree with Mia's comment and I think the repost works well. I can still see a trace of one of the birds you cloned off. BTW Photoshop allows to add canvas to the image, but I don't remember if you use it. Still a beautiful image.

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

Comment posted by Bill Maile on December 5, 2010 at 12:44 PM

Good catch Monica, I see it too. I'll take care of it when I return later, sorry!! As for canvas, no, I have not experimented with that yet but have seen it mentioned here. I'll have to check into that as well. Thanks!

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on December 5, 2010 at 12:48 PM

Thank you folks. Mia, agreed on all counts--I also thought of eliminating the trees, but thought it added some artistic interest. And of course, more space in front would be nice, but this is practically full frame width-wise so no room. Unless I make the lead birds suddenly disappear--oops!!

EDIT: Hopefully I think it's fixed per Monica's point.

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on December 5, 2010 at 1:02 PM

I prefer the repost as it makes for a more balanced image, good work Bill.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on December 5, 2010 at 4:51 PM

Bill,
the new repost works perfect for me. If you need help about the way to add canvas, please feel free to let me know.

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

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on December 5, 2010 at 4:57 PM

Like this, Bill. This is all about bad weather and life that goes on in it. The trees definitely add a special touch.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by wade pettitt on December 5, 2010 at 5:59 PM

Bill i love the repost, the trees just add that special touch.

Registered on May 6, 2009, 184 Posts, 471 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on December 6, 2010 at 1:11 AM

Very interesting and different. Agree with the room needed on the right. But I miss those lead birds-I probably wouldn't have had I not know they were there. But truly the longer line of birds is more pleasing. The nature of the back/forground would probably allow you to add some canvas on the right.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on December 6, 2010 at 8:30 AM

Thanks for all of the feedback from the true "pros". I am not familiar with adding canvas, other than reading it here. I will be attempting to do so, probably with some help at first (thanks Monica, you'll be hearing from me!). I looked into it quickly in Elements but think I may need a guide the first time.

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on December 6, 2010 at 9:35 AM

The snowy dark mood makes the shot for me Bill. I too would leave the trees in at bottom and think the original needs more room at right. Your repost does that but loses some birds. I think adding canvas is your best solution - good luck with the new learning curve!

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

Comment posted by Bill Maile on December 6, 2010 at 11:59 AM

Well, here is a shot at my adding room to the right hand side. Plus, a few other adjustments to the birds themselves and the trees below. Whoops, this version now has Monica Siri's finishing touches--thank you Monica. Opinions welcomed!!

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments