Occasionally an image resonates with me because of some quirky feature or visual highlight even though I’m keenly aware that it isn’t one of my better shots overall. This photo is one of those.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
When this Long-billed Curlew took off after feeding yesterday morning on Antelope Island it was already past me by the time I locked on to the bird and fired off a quick burst. Typically an image like this wouldn’t have a lot of appeal for me because of the angle on the bird and the deep shadow cast by the wing on the bird’s body.
However, I really like the curled wing over the top of the head and the way its curve mimics the line of that long, decurved beak. And the shadow, deep and almost featureless as it is, continues the arc of the wing in a way that I find visually interesting.
All images have strengths and weaknesses and viewers have individual tastes and preferences so the reasons for the appeal (or lack thereof) of an image are almost endless. Despite its shortcomings I thought the photo was interesting enough to post this morning for your consideration. I’m curious about your thoughts on it, either way.
If you decide to let your opinion be known, please be honest. I’ll be out shooting this morning so I’ll stay out of the fray until my return.
Ron
I like the great wing detail. So, the shadow does not bother me. Great photo!
I think the shadow is interesting, initially, but the photo doesn’t hold my attention very long….not much interest in “habitat”, and bird’s body color is washed-out. The contrast in the wing and body , and the shadow, make such a strong stripe that I have a hard time getting a sense of the whole bird.
However, your posting of “Willets, allowing enough room for wings at take-off”…the third photo is really engaging and I could look at that willet for a very long time. I love the depth of color over-all, and the habitat really supports the strength of the bird’s image.
All, just my opinion.
Thank you for continuing to bring your world to us.
SUE
I like the image. After reading your introduction I looked at the photo closely before reading the rest, and what I noticed was the curvature of the wing. There are a lot of interesting lines in the photo. Hope you had a great day shooting.
“Hope you had a great day shooting.”
I did, Susan, but not for the usual reasons. Today I was the driver almost exclusively (very few photos for me, none memorable) so that Mia and a good friend of ours (an exceptionally skilled bird photographer who shares our ethics) could shoot out of the “good side” of the pickup. We all had a blast together, talking about all the interests we share, many related to photography and some not. One of those special days, despite the fact that I’ll likely delete all of the few images I took.
What an amazing shot Ron. Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I also like the way the shadow continues the arc of the wing…this image is tealneye candy…very pleasing in so many ways…..
Thanks, Patty. I like the way you often come back and comment again after further reflection on my images. I understand that because I so often see or think of different things after leaving the photo and coming back again.
“Fixed” and “changed” – I also understand that when it comes to technology – it can be frustrating to the point that I’m not sure which of the two I prefer sometimes.
Evil iPad went bonkers on me yesterday…can’t tell you how much I hate these things sometimes!!! Daughter finally fixed it today, but now things are all changed up…confusing!
I like this image for tye same reasons Larry Muench states…particularly the arched wing.
I too like it for the reasons you stated. The beautiful line and curvature of the of the wing on top complement the bottom line and curvature of the bill creating a very pleasant form. Also like the sunlight on the beautifully soft belly contrasted with the dark serration of the wing shadow. Plus, it’s all very sharp even with the departure angle. Just overall beautiful color and form.
I appreciate your thoughts on the image, Larry. Thanks.
There is an unusual symmetry there that I find very appealing!
Thank you for your input, David.
Just the way you found the bird in flight – not baited or called in. Lovely lines. Thanks again for a nice start to the day.
“not baited or called in”
Interesting that you would mention that in your comment, Karen. I spent a fascinating few hours this morning shooting with a highly skilled and respected bird photographer (other than Mia) and we discussed baiting and other ethical issues at some length. So the subject has been on my mind…
I like it. I love the shadow of the wing. Everything seems to flow in this for me.
Thank you, Arwen.
You see, this image and your thought process as you decided how and why to present it to us, is what art and art criticism is all about. You present this image as a work of art and enhance my appreciation of it in your thinking. It is beautiful for all the reasons that you say. Thank you.
Kirk Gooding
Ashland,mOregon
An interesting comment, Kirk. I read it several times and appreciate your thoughts on art and critique. Thank you.
Before giving my opinion I wonder why someone would be dishonest here. I can’t see the point.
Back to the Long-billed Curlew,I like the bird, the bokeh and that shadow do not bother me because we still can see some detail through it.
There is only one think I don’t like and that is the left wing. I don’t know if it is the posicion or the shape but compared to the elegance of the right wing it looks almost crippled as if it didn’t belong to the same bird.
That said I would keep this image.
I don’t think anyone would be dishonest about their opinion of the image, Jorge. I just wanted to make it clear that no one should hesitate to share their opinion if it was negative. Some folks who may not like the image might be reluctant to say so for fear of hurting my feelings.
And you’re right, that left wing is in stark contrast to the right. Thanks for your honest opinion.
I really like the way the left wing continues the curve of the right wing. It reminds me of a curling wave with a surfer shooting through the curl or a question mark poised around the bird. The dark shadows on both wings tie in the black eye and tail tips. I find this an evocative image and beautifully sharp at the same time.
A great capture, many underestimate the difficulty of birds in flight images and here you see the full detail of this lovely bird present very well.
You’re certainly correct about the level of difficulty of birds in flight images, Colin and about the fact that many don’t realize just how difficult they are. Thank you.
I really like it, Ron!! I think your photo captures the power of this birds flight. I have always found the position of the wings when the bird is about to do that push down with their wings to send them higher & here it looks like it’s about to turn too! It’s very interesting.
You’re right, Jo Ann, here the bird is beginning to turn away from me, thus the tipped body. If it weren’t tipped the wing would have obscured the head.
I love the way the edges of the shadow re-state & exaggerate the edges of the lower wing. I love the sheltering arc of the upper wing. Thanks for sharing it.
I agree with you, Linda. IMO, if some of the individual feather tips in that shadow weren’t as well defined as they are I wouldn’t like the shadow as much.
Hi Ron,
Love this image! I’ve been told many times shots of birds should always be with the bird facing you or at least in profile. But I have many shots after the bird has passed and some are quite compelling.
Gary
The word always is nearly “always” at least technically inaccurate, Gary. Perhaps this is a case in point. Another way of putting it – “rules are made to be broken”.
Love this image Ron for all the reasons you stated ,but also the curved blades of grass ( especially the blade below the Curlew) has the repeating shape of the wing.
You’re right, John. I never even noticed those repeated curves in the grass. Thanks!