Very inspirational Jeff, especially #2.
One of these days I'll have enough willpower built up to get out there real early to capture a nice reflection like this one.
Jeff,
Took a look at your skimmers; like your # 2.
For about two hours today, I had the privilege of the lead judge for the New Mexico State Fair, who's also going to judge our camera club digital entries tomorrow night, teach me what the four judges thought about images I submitted back in August.
Basically, what he said was, "Joe, it will cost you between one and two points if you do not compose your images on a tripod, using the rule of thirds for the important points!"
I've just been asked by Canyonlands Natural History Association to submit a large print image to hang on their wall in their new building. Presumably, that will give some of my work exposure to some 750,000 national and international visitors a year who pass through that area.
This judge gave me specific suggestions about how to improve the image CNHA wants; among other things, it involves creating an illusion of third points. I've yet to get that job done.
So, when I saw your e-mail, I was already thinking about the rule of thirds, and tried to apply it to your Skimmer Fishing.
To clarify matters, I've put guides at the third points over the cropped image [they don't show here]. There are several points about this cropping which might be of interest.
1. I placed the skimmer trail as a clear lead-in line in the upper left-hand corner.
2. I need some room around the right wing tip so it will properly have the bird in the picture.
3. I tried to balance bird and reflection along the upper third point line so there was room below for the bird to continue flight.
4. I didn't worry about aspect ratio because I can frame it using Canvas Size command in CS3.
Thanks for showing me where these images are...
Keep 'em comin'...
Joe
[FONT="]As You Think, So Shall You BE... Rumi, 13th Century Persian Poet
I normally don't reply to these
because there are so many replies and so many great pictures (as has been mentioned before). But I can't help myself. I just love #2.
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!"
Jeff,
Took a look at your skimmers; like your # 2.
For about two hours today, I had the privilege of the lead judge for the New Mexico State Fair, who's also going to judge our camera club digital entries tomorrow night, teach me what the four judges thought about images I submitted back in August.
Basically, what he said was, "Joe, it will cost you between one and two points if you do not compose your images on a tripod, using the rule of thirds for the important points!"
I've just been asked by Canyonlands Natural History Association to submit a large print image to hang on their wall in their new building. Presumably, that will give some of my work exposure to some 750,000 national and international visitors a year who pass through that area.
This judge gave me specific suggestions about how to improve the image CNHA wants; among other things, it involves creating an illusion of third points. I've yet to get that job done.
So, when I saw your e-mail, I was already thinking about the rule of thirds, and tried to apply it to your Skimmer Fishing.
To clarify matters, I've put guides at the third points over the cropped image [they don't show here]. There are several points about this cropping which might be of interest.
1. I placed the skimmer trail as a clear lead-in line in the upper left-hand corner.
2. I need some room around the right wing tip so it will properly have the bird in the picture.
3. I tried to balance bird and reflection along the upper third point line so there was room below for the bird to continue flight.
4. I didn't worry about aspect ratio because I can frame it using Canvas Size command in CS3.
Thanks for showing me where these images are...
Keep 'em comin'...
Before I start disagreeing with you I want to thank you for your interesting and insightful post.
I generally follow the rule of thirds, its a good rule of thumb but it doesn't apply in every shot.
Now judges in some photo contests do have a set of guidelines that they follow and if my only purpose with my photography was to get good scores from them I would follow those guidelines. Fortunately photography is a subjective art that's not bound by any set of guidelines.
I found Jeff's original shot stronger than your rule of thirds crop. An important part of a skimmer shot is the trail in the water left by the skimmer. Jeff has his trail start in the upper left, where the eyes of most of the folks in the Western world start on a page, and the trail draws your attention to the skimmer. Jeff's original crop has more movement and excitement in it.
Here's an excellent skimmer shot by Andy Williams (please, please don't let Andy see this). The rule of thirds is completely ignored but it still is a etremely effective shot.
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!"
You said this better than I would have, but I agree 100%. To me if the trail would have been even a little longer it would have been even more pleasing. The angle is perfect IMO.
Of course the 1st one is excellent...but the 3rd one has a real cool factor; Ben, is it?
thanks my low light shots for a long time have been well they suck the before dawn going for my ref. shots I took more time and got a few [this is one ] that I was proud of thanks
Gotta make fun of my neighbor to the north, Jeff.
I would not have passed that one by myself but you do know I will have my eye out for a back at ya
Hi Jeff. What an interesting bird. None around here like it.
I liked the way you presented your shots. Great captures, not a ripple in the water. Was the second on shot early morning? Must have been early since you said "breakfast".
Hi Jeff. What an interesting bird. None around here like it.
I liked the way you presented your shots. Great captures, not a ripple in the water. Was the second on shot early morning? Must have been early since you said "breakfast".
3rd shot as the sun was coming up -the skimmer in a nocturnal hunter but they are active 24--7 the second [skimmin ] was why you go early before the sun .You want no wind not a hint of a breeze ,this only happens at the beach early but for my efforts I have skimmers ,egrets ,terns and heron ref. shots :ivar
Thanks Joe and Harry for the helpful and thoughtful comments as well as CC. As to the rule of 3rds it has as all rules have no effect on me. I try to take my photo and make it look as pleasing as I can to me. Action shots are in a word impossible to a rule of 3rds in camera as you can get. Some say they can do it and the more you shoot you do frame and compose your shots more has it happens. But to frame an action shot even if you can 10% of the time my hats off to you. I find all the comments here helpful as well educational and Joe I do understand were you are coming from with the redo of my shot and thank you. In a judges mind your CC is well taken. I do know now that folks look at wildlife shots [those who do not shoot wildlife] the same as they do landscapes, portraits etc.But in wildlife you get one shot or in the case of some of the folks I shoot with 8 . You do not have the chance to shoot the shot over and over till it looks good has the DF and lighting just so. Most do not even understand the behavior of the bird or ? you have captured. Harry thank you for taking time to post your thoughts on my shots I do appreciate the time you took to answer this. oh yea and Ric everything would be better longer :ivar
Nice Jeff, I really like #2 as it is - I think you should clone out the dust below and to the left of the bird though.
ok ok I do not like PS --I have been under the weather of late and did very little to those shots --thanks I did dust him off a bit just for you now go get my eagle please
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One of these days I'll have enough willpower built up to get out there real early to capture a nice reflection like this one.
Dave
Gotta make fun of my neighbor to the north, Jeff.
My website | NANPA Member
Jeff,
Took a look at your skimmers; like your # 2.
For about two hours today, I had the privilege of the lead judge for the New Mexico State Fair, who's also going to judge our camera club digital entries tomorrow night, teach me what the four judges thought about images I submitted back in August.
Basically, what he said was, "Joe, it will cost you between one and two points if you do not compose your images on a tripod, using the rule of thirds for the important points!"
I've just been asked by Canyonlands Natural History Association to submit a large print image to hang on their wall in their new building. Presumably, that will give some of my work exposure to some 750,000 national and international visitors a year who pass through that area.
This judge gave me specific suggestions about how to improve the image CNHA wants; among other things, it involves creating an illusion of third points. I've yet to get that job done.
So, when I saw your e-mail, I was already thinking about the rule of thirds, and tried to apply it to your Skimmer Fishing.
To clarify matters, I've put guides at the third points over the cropped image [they don't show here]. There are several points about this cropping which might be of interest.
1. I placed the skimmer trail as a clear lead-in line in the upper left-hand corner.
2. I need some room around the right wing tip so it will properly have the bird in the picture.
3. I tried to balance bird and reflection along the upper third point line so there was room below for the bird to continue flight.
4. I didn't worry about aspect ratio because I can frame it using Canvas Size command in CS3.
Thanks for showing me where these images are...
Keep 'em comin'...
[FONT="]As You Think, So Shall You BE... Rumi, 13th Century Persian Poet
Award-Winning Photography, Workshop Instructor, Storyteller, Writer
[/FONT][FONT="]Blog: [/FONT][FONT="]Pathways of Light[/FONT]
[FONT="] Workshops: Creating Fine Art Magic[/FONT][FONT="]
Book: Paths of Light [/FONT]
[FONT="]Workshops: 2011 Lightroom 3 Workshops
[/FONT][FONT="]Galleries, Bisti Art
[/FONT]
because there are so many replies and so many great pictures (as has been mentioned before). But I can't help myself. I just love #2.
Regards,
Mike
Mike Mattix
Tulsa, OK
"There are always three sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth" - Unknown
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!"
Before I start disagreeing with you I want to thank you for your interesting and insightful post.
I generally follow the rule of thirds, its a good rule of thumb but it doesn't apply in every shot.
Now judges in some photo contests do have a set of guidelines that they follow and if my only purpose with my photography was to get good scores from them I would follow those guidelines. Fortunately photography is a subjective art that's not bound by any set of guidelines.
I found Jeff's original shot stronger than your rule of thirds crop. An important part of a skimmer shot is the trail in the water left by the skimmer. Jeff has his trail start in the upper left, where the eyes of most of the folks in the Western world start on a page, and the trail draws your attention to the skimmer. Jeff's original crop has more movement and excitement in it.
Here's an excellent skimmer shot by Andy Williams (please, please don't let Andy see this). The rule of thirds is completely ignored but it still is a etremely effective shot.
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!"
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
Hi Jeff. What an interesting bird. None around here like it.
I liked the way you presented your shots. Great captures, not a ripple in the water. Was the second on shot early morning? Must have been early since you said "breakfast".
Prescott Photog, Chris - " One Shot, One Still "
'
Canon CPS Member
SmugMug Pro User - www.PrescottOutdoors.net
NAPP Member..Click for Info
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
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“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
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“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
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“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
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http://jwear.smugmug.com/
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