Meadowlark w/repost

Gallery: AvianPosted February 5, 201189 views11 comments

A local camera club member let the group know that a large group of meadowlarks have been frequenting his horse pasture and foraging where the horses have cleared back the snow. Having never photographed a meadowlark before I was quick to accept the invitation. Taken this afternoon in eastern Kansas.

50D, 100-400L @ 390, f5.6 @ 1/1000, ISO 400

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on February 5, 2011 at 11:49 PM

Can never get anywhere near meadowlarks in my area... sweet low angle and way to get up close. Can you tell us how much of a crop this is? There seems to be a lack of detail in the bird that I would expect for such a closeup

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 6, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Thanks for reminding me Luke, it totally slipped my mind that this was a significant crop. This represents about 25% of full frame.

I haven't been able to get near a meadowlark here either, that's why I jumped at the chance to photograph these. This bird was about 18' away as I recall.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 6, 2011 at 2:18 AM

The original must be very sharp as this crop still looks pretty good to my eye. Having said that I would prefer more room for him, he's really dominant in the frame. That bright yellow breast and the strong markings will still have plenty of impact at 50% crop.

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

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on February 6, 2011 at 7:19 AM

Wow, gorgeous bird! I chased these around Wyoming and never got closer than thirty feet or so. This looks good as is, but I have to agree that backing off on the crop a little would give him more space and not diminish the impact. Especially since he is looking to our left, you might add some room on that side.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 6, 2011 at 7:43 AM

Wayne,

I agree with loosening the crop some as this feels tight all the way around, this does have nice detail for the large crop but with less of a crop more details will be evident and the comp stronger. I'd also reduce the contrast and lighten the darks some.

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

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 6, 2011 at 8:34 AM

I agree with some others. This is nice, but I would loosen it up and reduce the contrast. Nice low look at this bird.

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

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 6, 2011 at 11:16 AM

Thanks for the constructive feedback, much appreciated. I took this wider in a 4:5 format in response to your suggestions.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Twaddell on February 6, 2011 at 12:53 PM

Yep, the repost is where it's at! I will occassionaly see one around here, but no way am I getting close to it!

Registered on August 16, 2007, 199 Posts, 2132 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 6, 2011 at 3:33 PM

Repost is just what I had in mind, looks good!

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

Comment posted by Steve Balke on February 6, 2011 at 9:54 PM

Giving it a little more room worked well, Wayne. I prefer the repost. Striking colors. Very sharp. Beautiful shot.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on February 7, 2011 at 7:24 AM

The LP looks very nice Wayne, what a great looking bird!
Like the close vertical framing/comp that shows us this beauties details so well..Perhaps the repost with more space works better comp wise, your call.
I especially like the soft light and colors here

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