Supa dupa, Greg.
The first isn't my favorite of this fine set, but it set a good tone for me to see the others.
Some exciting activity and good shooting.
Beautiful and fat birds .
Charlie
OwlsEyes wrote:
Greg,
I really love these images. The grouse turning back to look w/ its tail fanned is a wonderful composition.
Ever since I photographed sharp-tailed grouse in 2007, I've been on a mission to get into some blinds and capture the magic of a lek. For those who have not done this, they can't imagine the auditory and visual spectacle that it is.
My recent experience with the prairie chickens now has me on the hunt for a chance to photograph both sage and spruce grouse... such interesting birds!
Love the shots, looks like I need to put Scotland and the black grouse on my short list too
cheers,
bruce...Show more →
Thanks Bruce; it was great fun to compare black grouse to prairie chickens! I couldn't agree more about the auditory spectacle, and I think prairie chickens are now on my short list!
mrcolin2u wrote:
Having too much reach is usually an uncommon thing in bird photography nevertheless you captured some very nice images.
I have visited Scotland several times and yet to see a black grouse
Thanks, Colin. Another "prized" wildlife subject in Scotland is the red squirrel, but they look so much like grey squirrels that I had a hard time appreciating the passion. Or, maybe, I needed a wee bit more whiskey.
Shasoc wrote:
I believe this is the first time I see one of these birds, Greg.
I like the depth and richness of the blue in this bird, while the red crown looks like a cherry on top of the cake, or a "ponpon".
The low angle create a nice isolation of the bird and makes the bird stand out.
I like the pose in #5, but my favorite is last one.
The sheep shot is technically very interesting. Using (either intentionally or not) the vegetation close to camera can provide a very painterly look, almost diffusing the entire subject and adding a nice feel.
May be a sheep it is not the best subject but I've tried a few times to get that effect but it is harder than I thought.
You did good
Socrate...Show more →
Thanks, Socrate. The crown on these birds is INTENSE, and I thought about you (and not blowing highlights) while fiddling with exposure. Ah, I wish I could say that I had carefully planned out a painterly feel to the sheep shot, but I just peeked out the hide, and saw something bigger than a bird!
Desert Drake wrote:
What a magnificent looking bird. I didn't mind at all getting that close up look. Great set, Greg. I also enjoyed your write up.
Al
B Benson wrote:
Real nice images, Greg, I spend a lot of time in Idaho photographing Greater Sage Grouse and love the way they strut and puff up their chests. Bruce
Thanks, Bruce; I just took a peek at your 2007 grouse set...that is one spectacular species!
Tim Kuhn wrote:
Super work Greg. I was looking at the technical details on these and it shows just how far you pushed gear/yourself to create these fabulous images. The colors are wonderful, the poses are eye grabbing. 2 knocked my shoes off, that is one rich image. 3 though chopped works really well. 5 is super, I might crop this a bit differently, more room right sort of thing but centered works pretty well. I'm a sucker for well done farm animals, I love the sheep. Sure it would look better without the adornments but the shot is REALLY nice. Love the effect.
You wanted crits but I'm not good enough to tell you these need improvement!
Ah...Mr. Kuhn! What, no crits? Guess I should have posted another 4 or 5. Well, next time. Thanks for the comment and the sheep love, and I think I would probably get an 800 before the 200-400. (Of course, my wife would kill me).
.
