Rock Ptarmigan

Gallery: AvianPosted August 20, 201812,931 views7 comments

I posted an image of this bird shortly after returning from Nome in June, but the background was different and i didn't really like the way it worked, so I decided to process a couple of frames with different backgrounds. I like the way this one works.

7Dii, Sigma 150-600 C @ 451 mm, hand held, f/8, 1/5000, iso 1000, aperture priority, pattern metering, -2/3 EV. Processed in LR & PS CC. Cropped to 17.5 MP. Taken at 9:54 am on June 7th at Redknot Hill along the Teller Road north of Nome.

Comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on August 20, 2018 at 8:18 PM

I like how you have framed the ptarmigan with the foreground habitat and what looks like snow in the background, Dennis. But I find the whites on the neck a little too bright and they seem to get lost against the white background. I think selectively toning down the whites may bring out more details and help the subject stand out better.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on August 20, 2018 at 10:13 PM

Hi Dennis,

A tough exposure and as Govind suggested, work on the bright whites on the ptarmigans neck. A very nice comp and I like the pose and color scheme of this image........................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on August 21, 2018 at 2:44 AM

I like the low angle o this Dennis, it really makes a difference here with the busy foliage these guys hand around in. The whites seem fine to me. Sure they are brighter because of the location of the light, but they don't appear ot be clipped. In my opinion, dodging the whites on that portion of the neck would actually make it appear too flat. I think you need the tonal range to show the more dramatic side light.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on August 21, 2018 at 9:24 AM

Good look at the Ptarmigan in its environment. I like the composition; there's something about it that suggests cold and wind swept.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on August 21, 2018 at 2:50 PM

Hello, Dennis, this angle of view works for me as well, setting the bird apart from the BG. The tricky part is the white-on-white but I think there's still enough contrast, so for me it's not bothersome. Pleasant overall composition starring a great subject ! Good you went through your images again enlightened

. Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on August 21, 2018 at 4:23 PM

I like this a lot. I think the white on white works well because of the contrast. Almost has a bit of a high key effect. I like the variations in the background. Nice head turn and superb detail.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Peter J. Morrissey on August 22, 2018 at 12:04 PM

HI Dennis
I think bring down the whites on the neck and cropping a little of the top of the frame, could help an all ready great shot.
Peter

Registered on July 3, 2011, 188 Posts, 969 Comments