Sandhill Crane in flight

Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
edited May 2, 2007 in Wildlife
I really cannot express how pleased I am to have been able to get these shots.

148593290-L.jpg

148593573-L.jpg

148607313-L.jpg

Maybe there is hope for me yet! :D

Comments

  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited May 1, 2007
    Nicely done, Ric!!

    I think I like the second image the best - I have lots of shots of Sandhills against a blue sky, but the green background will give all kinds of interesting possibilities in post processing. Nice contrast to the tones of the bird.

    Gaussian blur, anyone?
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited May 1, 2007
    pathfinder wrote:
    Nicely done, Ric!!

    I think I like the second image the best - I have lots of shots of Sandhills against a blue sky, but the green background will give all kinds of interesting possibilities in post processing. Nice contrast to the tones of the bird.

    Gaussian blur, anyone?

    By gaussian blur are you saying more or less...I added just 1 pixel to the background. I should do a graduated blur...but I was in a hurry to get these posted. (tickled with myself:D)

    I added another shot with Oak trees as the backdrop.

    Thanks, Pathfinder!:D
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited May 1, 2007
    All three are very nice. I did not see the third shot first time through.

    I was just wondering what the second would look like with a significant Gaussian blur performed on the background green grass as a selection. I think the green color contrasts nicely with the gray of the Sandhill.

    They are lovely creatures to watch, aren't they?

    Where did you shoot these images?
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited May 1, 2007
    pathfinder wrote:

    They are lovely creatures to watch, aren't they?

    Where did you shoot these images?

    Yes they are! Freeman-Kane is the local conservation area where these were taken...here in northern Illinois.

    There is a pair that must be nesting. Hopefully I will get a chance at the youngsters. Gotta do some hunting!
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited May 1, 2007
    Good set and #2 is outstanding. clap.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ShepsMomShepsMom Registered Users Posts: 4,319 Major grins
    edited May 1, 2007
    Great shots Ric!! I like the 1st one, i'm weird! ne_nau.gif Sandhills are beautiful birds, they are quiet often hang out behind my house. I am yet to catch them in flight!
    Marina
    www.intruecolors.com
    Nikon D700 x2/D300
    Nikon 70-200 2.8/50 1.8/85 1.8/14.24 2.8
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited May 1, 2007
    Harryb wrote:
    Good set and #2 is outstanding. clap.gif

    Thanks, Harry.:D

    I'm going to give the second one another go in post. I may even print it...something I seldom do.
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 1, 2007
    Number 2 is certainly the best!
  • jwearjwear Registered Users Posts: 8,013 Major grins
    edited May 2, 2007
    on the bif #1 you got the look thru the bill shot at:D bosque this was a challenge thumb.gif
    Jeff W

    “PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”

    http://jwear.smugmug.com/
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited May 2, 2007
    jwear wrote:
    on the bif #1 you got the look thru the bill shot at:D bosque this was a challenge thumb.gif
    :ivar I wish my sinus was this clear! :-)

    148887316-L.jpg
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited May 2, 2007
    Maestro wrote:
    Number 2 is certainly the best!

    Thanks, Stephen! :D
Sign In or Register to comment.