I really like these because they are a bit unique in the small bird genre.
Most people post perfect front lit images. While front facing light shows off the most detail, they can can produce pictures that lack drama.
Your backlit photos add a different element to the subject.... as such, I find them quite compelling.
I spent a few days last weekend photographing black bears and then threw out my back hooking up my teardrop trailer (my mobile "photolodge"). As a result, I have edited only two pictures... one with the Z6 & 200-400, and this image shot with the D500 and 500PF.
While i have much better images from the shoot, I was curious about this picture because I had to tame some contrasty light. While the D500 is a crop body w/ less dynamic range than my Z6, it is amazing how much that little sensor can be pushed around to produce a well exposed image.
OwlsEyes wrote:
I really like these because they are a bit unique in the small bird genre.
Most people post perfect front lit images. While front facing light shows off the most detail, they can can produce pictures that lack drama.
Your backlit photos add a different element to the subject.... as such, I find them quite compelling.
cheers,
bruce
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Thanks Bruce, I'm glad you enjoyed them. The halo effect was enjoyable, especially accentuating the yellow plumage.
palmor wrote:
Been a little slow in the blind the last few days but a Cardinal finally decided to stop on the perch.
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Nice work! The detail is impressive. Cardinals do have the slightly mottled plumage in hi-rez, makes me want to crack open the cochineal for the bird bath!
OwlsEyes wrote:
I spent a few days last weekend photographing black bears and then threw out my back hooking up my teardrop trailer (my mobile "photolodge"). As a result, I have edited only two pictures... one with the Z6 & 200-400, and this image shot with the D500 and 500PF.
While i have much better images from the shoot, I was curious about this picture because I had to tame some contrasty light. While the D500 is a crop body w/ less dynamic range than my Z6, it is amazing how much that little sensor can be pushed around to produce a well exposed image.
cheers,
bruce...Show more →
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This is a nice mug shot. I wonder if you can 'read' a bears mood by its expression, or is it body language that clues you in? I ask because it seems so close, I'm hoping it was safe if it didn't like its picture taken!
Tstop wrote:
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This is a nice mug shot. I wonder if you can 'read' a bears mood by its expression, or is it body language that clues you in? I ask because it seems so close, I'm hoping it was safe if it didn't like its picture taken!
Thank you... it is definitely a bit of a "mug shot," and not typical of my photographic style. I posted it because I think it demonstrates how useable the D500 can be when paired with the 500PF. This is an effective focal length of 750mm on a 350lb (+/-) animal. I was probably 15 meters away from him and have photographed bears in this location previously. In addition, my background is as a wildlife ecologist, and I have spent quite a bit of time learning bear behavior.
While all wildlife can be unpredictable, animal behavior is surprisingly predictable. An image like this is a bit of grab shot, as one does not want to make direct eye contact with a bear for long. In fact, I generally look at my bear subjects quickly and then avert my eyes. I use this same strategy with a camera and lens whenever I am making close images of bears.
Finally, there are some locations throughout the US and Canada where one can get close to wild bears because they feel safe in their proximity to humans, or are preoccupied with things like fishing or mating. This image was made near a well known bear corridor in Minnesota, where as many as 70 different individuals might be seen on a given day.
More artistic and unique images will follow as I find the time to do some post-processing.
OwlsEyes wrote:
Thank you... it is definitely a bit of a "mug shot," and not typical of my photographic style. I posted it because I think it demonstrates how useable the D500 can be when paired with the 500PF. This is an effective focal length of 750mm on a 350lb (+/-) animal. I was probably 15 meters away from him and have photographed bears in this location previously. In addition, my background is as a wildlife ecologist, and I have spent quite a bit of time learning bear behavior.
While all wildlife can be unpredictable, animal behavior is surprisingly predictable. An image like this is a bit of grab shot, as one does not want to make direct eye contact with a bear for long. In fact, I generally look at my bear subjects quickly and then avert my eyes. I use this same strategy with a camera and lens whenever I am making close images of bears.
Finally, there are some locations throughout the US and Canada where one can get close to wild bears because they feel safe in their proximity to humans, or are preoccupied with things like fishing or mating. This image was made near a well known bear corridor in Minnesota, where as many as 70 different individuals might be seen on a given day.
More artistic and unique images will follow as I find the time to do some post-processing.
Thanks Bruce, appreciate the insights. I've never encountered a bear, and while 15m sounds close, I'm glad you've the experience and comfort level to share pics of the encounters. Like most things in life, expertise matters!
OwlsEyes wrote:
I spent a few days last weekend photographing black bears and then threw out my back hooking up my teardrop trailer (my mobile "photolodge"). As a result, I have edited only two pictures... one with the Z6 & 200-400, and this image shot with the D500 and 500PF.
While i have much better images from the shoot, I was curious about this picture because I had to tame some contrasty light. While the D500 is a crop body w/ less dynamic range than my Z6, it is amazing how much that little sensor can be pushed around to produce a well exposed image.
EyeSpyEagle wrote:
I couldn't agree more on how forgiving and workable images from the D500 can be. It was an incredible enlightenment for me when I switched to Nikon.
I love this bear image and can't wait to see more of what you captured.
I have a fragile back that is prone to "going out" with only the slightest incorrect bend or twist. I hope this passes quickly for you.
Regards,
Phil
Thanks Phil...
This is the third time my back has gone out since October... I have a bulging disk and need to do exercises to keep things working well... I paid a price for too many hours behind a computer at work. Teaching in this distance learning world is not the best for an aging back.
