Photographically, perches can be as problematic as the bird.
I’ve complained in the past about the bright white Tintic Quartzite rocks on the north end of Antelope Island that Chukars in particular tend to perch on. Getting the exposure right on the bird tends to overexpose those rocks and make them even brighter than they actually are. But since birds tend to ignore my instructions about where to perch it’s something I have to live with.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Chukar two days ago on the island. I really like the enthusiasm of the calling pose and the background colors and patterns from the sagebrush and shadows but the brightness of the perch is problematic for me. To the naked eye the rock was actually quite attractive since it was heavily splotched with green lichen but I had to overexpose it to get the bird right. In the unprocessed file it was significantly brighter than this but I brought it down as much as I dared during processing.
As I’ve said before, no image is perfect so we do live with trade-offs to one degree or another. For me the calling pose mitigates the issue with the brightness of the rock.
Mostly…
Ron
Funny thing: I did not even notice the brightness of the rock. I looked at it again after reading about your issues with it, and still can’t see it. The white on the bird is brighter than the rock. I love the bird’s pose here.
Could I be wrong? Was that bird really auditioning for American Idol??? I hope you stay away, even if weather/birds aren’t cooperative…at least you’re in a beautiful , quiet “uncivilized” place…breath it in and relax!!! I’ll bet the landscapes are beautiful. If it’s raining, put your feet up and chill out with a donut and hot cup of coffee…plan, strategize and dream!!!
I am soooo sorry to hear that nothing is cooperating on this camping trip. Fingers, toes and eyes crossed that the weather the light and the birds play nicely.
Love, as always, the Chukar. And your picky self.
Thanks for your comments everyone. Ec, things have turned around for the better, for now. Today we found some old feathered friends.
Great pose and background and the perch seems to blend well. Would not have noticed anything negative about the perch if you had not brought it to my attention.
Those darn birds…not listening to you!
Wonderful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Wonderful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Sorry to hear about conditions…how disappointing! I know you look forward to these camping trips and need to “recharge your batteries” with wilderness experience (AKA “civilization withdrawal”)…love Chukar’s audition for “The Voice”….here’s hoping things turn around for you, BEFORE you leave, not just after!
Update on our Montana camping trip. Weather and light are crappy and birds are scarce so far.This may be an abbreviated trip. The best laid plans of mice and men and bird photographers…