Past few weeks I was trying to get closer and closer to Kingfishers. Some attempts were successful and some attempts were not. You might remember some posts I did of some attempts. This time I was fairly close. Decision is yours whether I have done enough justice to get closer. I am giving below the shooting data for the viewers who could not check the Exif data. Comments and critics are very much appreciated.
Jude
#1 of 3
Focal Length = 400mm, Exposure Time = 1/800", F Number = F8, Exposure Program = Manual, ISO Speed Ratings = 400, Metering Mode = Average, White Balance = Auto white balance, Flash = Flash did not fire, Software = Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows.
I've been spending the last few weeks stalking a pair of Belted Kingfisher's near me and they seem as though they'll do anything not to be captured in my camera.
Lovely captures Jude! love the vivid colours! my pick is #3 I just love the smooth bg
i got a kingfisher too at 420mm (used the Tc) although the bg was not very pretty...i'll post it next week!
Jude, you pumped up the contrast and color saturation on this bunch.. and I like them great job on these, care to explain your PP techniques to get the vivid colors?
One Day I would Love The Chance To Shoot These Wonderful Birds. I think you have Done A Great Job There High On My List To Shoot. One Question What Part Of The World Do You Live In Jude ?? Thanks For Sharing. Ed
72chevelle454 wrote:
Jude, you pumped up the contrast and color saturation on this bunch.. and I like them great job on these, care to explain your PP techniques to get the vivid colors?
Hi Chad, The color saturation I have not bumped up that much. When I open my RAW image from Camera Raw 4.0 in CS3 the maximum adjustment of the saturation is around 15. For these 3 images I have adjusted up to 12 only. The contrast and vividness I have obtained from selective shadow/highlight and curves. In my experience if you bump-up too much saturation it would not only look artificial but the color of the bird and surrounding also would not be close to its natural color.
Thanks for checking out and very much appreciated your comments.
harshaj1 wrote:
What a beautiful capture. If I remember correct the first shot is the best I have seen from your common kingfisher series. Vibrant colors. Great job.
Harsha
I also feel same Harsha. Thanks for taking time to comment.
Josh S wrote:
Very nice, those colours are pretty unreal.
I've been spending the last few weeks stalking a pair of Belted Kingfisher's near me and they seem as though they'll do anything not to be captured in my camera.
Kingfishers are difficult to capture. And flying shots are even more difficult. I was able to capture Kingfishers in flight only once. Thanks Josh for your comments.
Nello Milanese wrote:
Lovely captures Jude! love the vivid colours! my pick is #3 I just love the smooth bg
i got a kingfisher too at 420mm (used the Tc) although the bg was not very pretty...i'll post it next week!
Thanks Nello for your comments. Eager to see your Kingfisher post.
Jude, if you get any closer you can hand feed them I like the first shot, and I like the colors you are trying to represent but for my personal taste they are too saturated and a bit un-natural to me. On that second shot you should have whispered 'fishy' to him to get him to turn his head to look back at you Great efforts and nice results.
great job on these, care to explain your PP techniques to get the vivid colors?