Another Sandhill Crane

Gallery: AvianPosted January 31, 2013115 views12 comments

The cranes often take off in groups-sometimes just a family and other times a group of fifteen or twenty. Capturing more than one in good focus can be difficult, though I'll post one of those soon. In this case I liked the focus difference between the main subject and the bg Crane. The oof bird isn't so blurry that it's a blob but is sufficiently oof that it doesn't just look like a mistake. At least that's my take on it-I'd be interested in your opinions.

1DIV, 500mm f4 ISL + 1.4TC, Black Widow on RRS legs, f7.1, 1/2500, iso 640, manual exposure. Full frame. I adjusted the color temperature a bit to warm the image. Other than that, normal processing in CS5.

Your comments and criticisms are most appreciated.

Thanks for looking,

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on January 31, 2013 at 2:48 PM

This is really top notch Dennis. I love the larger version.... good detail especially for inflight, and as you mention how the 2nd crane is there giving more depth and well positioned. The lighting on the cranes is great against the gorgeous OOF BG.
Well done!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on January 31, 2013 at 2:50 PM

The rule I have had drummed into me is the bird in front should be the one in sharp focus. Ya done good! Just a beautiful flight shot of a graceful bird, and the OOF secondary bird gives the photo depth. A little too warm for my taste, but certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Only a personal preference; don't change it on my account.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on January 31, 2013 at 3:06 PM

Dennis,
This couldn't be better, the BG is fantastic with the second Crane adding a lot of interest. The wing positions really makes this image work well. The muddy water droplets off the feet of the main Crane is an added bonus.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on January 31, 2013 at 4:41 PM

Splendid as you captured it. The large version gives great feeling of participation in this flight.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Marsh on January 31, 2013 at 4:48 PM

Great image Dennis. The OOF bird and the colors of the bg really complement the main subject. I also like how the tip of his left wing catches the light.

Registered on December 29, 2012, 21 Posts, 225 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on January 31, 2013 at 5:34 PM

Quite good, Dennis. I like the light.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on January 31, 2013 at 6:39 PM

Very nice Dennis, I especially like the warm tones/colors..and two for one!

Well done

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

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 31, 2013 at 9:36 PM

I really like this, Dennis. the positions of the two birds really complement each other. the color temp looks just right to me for early morning at bosque. great setting, nice detail on the lead bird, and an excellent comp. this works very well for me.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on February 1, 2013 at 7:31 AM

Beautiful capture & cranes are very well place in the frame.
IMHO mat further improve if you add some canvas on the top.
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Jenkins on February 1, 2013 at 8:03 AM

I like the composition here with nice exposure and BG. Leading bird is very sharp. Nice job Dennis.

Registered on April 20, 2008, 307 Posts, 604 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on February 1, 2013 at 10:16 AM

Let's just say I am extremely jealous ..... And I mean that in a positive way

. Very nice image