A Little Patience Paid Off

Darter02Darter02 Registered Users Posts: 947 Major grins
edited September 25, 2014 in Wildlife
I tried being patient and sitting where I thought birds might appear. After about an hour this little guy stopped right in front of me.

RL2_6594_2014-09-24-L.jpg

Comments

  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited September 24, 2014
    Cute birdy!
  • Darter02Darter02 Registered Users Posts: 947 Major grins
    edited September 24, 2014
    Thanks. There's an awesome park basically next to my house with a varied set of terrain. Three weeks ago I started taking daily hikes with gear in hand. Something to sharpen the skills.

    Here's anther blue bird about to launch itself into the air. I had slowly worked my way across a ridge trail, scanning for motion. I spotted this little bird fly to the spot you see it in. I then watched it through my viewfinder for about 15 minutes while it preened itself. I was waiting for just the right shot.

    Not sure if I nailed it, but I like the image enough to share it here.

    RL2_5260_2014-09-20%20%281%29-L.jpg
    It's been good exercise at times, trying to stand still in one spot...
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,935 moderator
    edited September 24, 2014
    I like it. Would like to see a tighter crop so the bird is more prominent in the picture.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • Darter02Darter02 Registered Users Posts: 947 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2014
    I cropped it down a tad. It does look nicer.
  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2014
    Darter02 wrote: »
    I cropped it down a tad. It does look nicer.

    While you are doing personal requests......how about losing the green leaves from second!:D
    Actually love it as is.....but may make it less busy and that branch blue bird is perched on is just sneaking out of window in heaven.....will get full attention!

    Cheers!
  • Darter02Darter02 Registered Users Posts: 947 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2014
    My problem with cropping it more is it's really going to begin to fall apart resolution wise. Both of these shots were taken at a good distance using a Canon 5D mrk III, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 with a 1.4x extender II. The last bird was a lot further than the one in the first photo. I'd LOVE to have a great piece of much longer glass, but it's hard to justify the price tag at this time. I make my money shooting weddings, and I can't see having to use 600 or > lenses for those. At least, not very often.

    I had a quick walk earlier this morning, and spotted more bluebirds. If I get anything decent, I'll post it here.

    Also, I really appreciate the critique. It nice a change of pace to get to talk about the image composition for a change.
  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2014
    Darter02 wrote: »
    My problem with cropping it more is it's really going to begin to fall apart resolution wise. Both of these shots were taken at a good distance using a Canon 5D mrk III, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 with a 1.4x extender II. The last bird was a lot further than the one in the first photo. I'd LOVE to have a great piece of much longer glass, but it's hard to justify the price tag at this time. I make my money shooting weddings, and I can't see having to use 600 or > lenses for those. At least, not very often.

    I had a quick walk earlier this morning, and spotted more bluebirds. If I get anything decent, I'll post it here.

    Also, I really appreciate the critique. It nice a change of pace to get to talk about the image composition for a change.

    Oh I meant "cloning" them out....not cropping. The branch along with the bird is making the shot....and yes at some point resolution becomes an issue. However, as I said, love it as is! Cheers!
  • Darter02Darter02 Registered Users Posts: 947 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2014
    Cloning. Therein lies the line for me. Not that I'm against it, it's just not a preferred method.

    I was trained by photo journalists, so I try to avoid doing things like that. Cropping, adjusting levels, white balance, sharpness, maybe a pinch of color adjustment, are the meat of how I enjoy processing. About the only "embellishment" I enjoy doing is the occasional vignette adjustment, and I try to make it as subtle as I can.

    It's just how I process, and isn't meant to be better than any other method.
  • Darter02Darter02 Registered Users Posts: 947 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2014
    So I think I found the blue birds all right.

    RL2_6731_2014-09-25-L.jpg

    This is where I'm finding them.

    RL2_6840_2014-09-25-L.jpg
  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2014
    Nice again! Sweet light in environment shot!
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