In previous posts I’ve often mentioned that I dislike significant cloning. There are times when I do it, though reluctantly, and when I do I always disclose what I’ve done. This image tempted me so I decided to post two versions of it and ask for some feedback from my readers on whether or not they think it was improved by the cloning. Or not.
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 1600, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Western Kingbird this past summer on Antelope Island as it took off from a sign post in the direction of its nest. I like the overall monotone colors of the image, the flight posture and the even light on the bird that resulted from the diffused light of a somewhat cloudy morning but I’m ambivalent about the post at lower right that the kingbird took off from.
Regular readers know that I prefer to not have “the hand of man” in my images and that sign post reeks of humanity. On the other hand the bird has obviously just taken off (as is strongly suggested by the position of its legs) so my eye would look for the perch if it wasn’t there.
So I decided to clone out the perch and ask for opinions – do you think the sign post should be cloned out or not? From a previous post on this subject I believe that many of my readers are less bothered by unnatural elements in bird images than I am but each image is different and opinions may be also.
Thanks for any feedback.
Ron
Note: For those interested (and I know that many of you are) I’m still in Florida and Shannon’s medical situation continues to be quite precarious though she has shown enough improvement in some areas to be moved out of neurological ICU. I have mixed feelings about that as I suspect some of you will understand.
Another note: While in Florida I’m working from a laptop and I suspect my cloning job isn’t the best but on this monitor I’m limited by what I can see. I know – excuses, excuses…
Ron,
Since you are moving into the rehab phase …. slowly. Just tossing this out there-if the case manager, who will be coming to see you all … for discharge planning; which will happen once she is neurologically stable (not right away). Think about out patient facilities. If there is a need for an out patient rehab.
If there is a need for out patient rehab at a facility-you could go see the Life Care Centers. They have really good rehab centers. The acute care facility where you are is great, they also have rehab centers associated with that facility, would strongly recommend seeing the Life Care Centers… before you make any choice on this. I understand this is a bit down the road and she may not even need this …. just a big FYI.
Linda
Ron,
I love this photo … truly believe the beauty of the bird in flight took my focus. I did not really pay attention to the post. The beauty of the bird captivate me. Am so glad your gal is improving so rapidly. Yes, I agree with your assessment of the situation. True she will be out of NICU; which will help improve her rehab and mobility. Also, her acuity level will be less–good you are there to keep watch over her now. Watch what goes on closely. And of course, I will keep you all in my prayers. There neuro step down unit is great there too!
Take care,
Linda
A little late to the party but I too like the post included in the image. I like the weathered look of the post and its vertical lines that lead up to the bird. Glad to hear Shannon is making progress!
I’ll add another vote to the uncloned shot. The post gives the birds pose a reason, like others have said, it completes the shot. As far as cloning in general goes, it’s a bit situational. I don’t mind and kind of enjoy birds using man made objects for perches, but those dang wires on telephone poles that raptors so enjoy using when hunting! Those get cropped out if possible and cloned out the rest of the time.
Also good to hear there’s been some improvement with your daughter! Hope she continues so she can be home for the upcoming Holidays!
Looks like I am a bit late for the vote, but I will just give you my opinion that I like the post. Continued prayers for Shannon. I truly hope for a complete recovery and wish for peace for your family at this time.
Ron, it is good news that Shannon has moved out of ICU as it is an indicator of her improvement.
On the cloning question I think it depends on what you are removing from the image. In this example the wood is actually quite beautiful, it provides context to the flight posture of the kingbird, and I prefer the first image, mostly for the context. If the bird was a kite, or owl, or other bird that I would expect to be dropping down in this posture towards prey it would make sense to remove the wooden sign post. As you are well aware, telephone and electrical lines are a bird photographer’s nightmare, and an example where I think cloning away the wires is usually beneficial.
Overall a beautiful image where the pastel subdued colors of the background play well with coloring of the Western Kingbird.
Personally, I really prefer NO messing with the image beyond cropping. I strongly prefer the one with the post.
And also delighted that your daughter has been moved. That’s a very good sign.
I prefer #1, like the look of the weathered post and don’t see it as a distraction at all. And I’m glad to hear Shannon is improved enough to be moved from the ICU, though your trepidation is understandable. Like everyone posting here, I’ll be keeping the positive thoughts and energy coming your way — taking the move as a very good indicator for Shannon’s continued recovery.
Ron: Our prayers that Shannon continues to improve.
Both kingbird images are beautiful. For personal use, selling prints, publishing books, doing websites, … do what you like best. I always claim that if Ansel Adams were alive today, he would be a Photoshop expert. On the other hand, in most competition for bird/animal/nature photography, cloning is not allowed. I believe in competition one should follow the rules or not enter.
Yes to photo #1 re composition, context and texture – Glad you’ve decided to retain the post! I, too, was glad to read Diana’s comment, as a doctor, that Shannon’s move carries positive connotations for her. All my best wishes for Shannon’s continued progress! Looking forward to your ongoing posts (no pun intended) and photos, Ron.
Normally I feel like you Ron. I hate poles etc. in most photos, however I like the first pic better. It gives the feeling of “lift off”.
Ok, that’s my 2 cents worth.
Thanks so much for your feedback, everyone. The vast majority of those who have commented so far are in the “no cloning” camp for this image and you have won me over with your explanations as to why. In the future this image will always have the sign post included. I’ve decided that I actually like the graphic quality of the perch.
I’m glad I asked…
Good choice!!!
I like the first image. the bird needs the post for context as it looks suspended in the air without it. The image quality is beautiful. Such terrific photographic technique. I am happy Shannon is making progress. Good luck to her and all of you.
The second picture definitely gives an unfinished look. I like seeing the post. The light is definitely very shot worthy as is the bird.
OK—-Here’s MY 2 cents on the question—–while I agree with the frequent comments that the post in image #1 provides context for the bird’s physical gesture,
I also think that it echoes the color and texture of the bird’s wings, and so adds a note of graphic consonance……..
Well, I won’t be any help at all. Love both shots because they contain a beautiful and interesting subject. If I had seen only the second image, I would love it for the same reason. My bird brain would tell me it had just taken off or was about to land due to the bird’s posture but it wouldn’t bother me that I couldn’t see the perch. If I had seen only the first image I would enjoy it for showing the same beautiful bird taking off from what has become a “natural” perch.
Both great images!
See, no help at all.
As a “nature photographer,” rather than “portrait photographer,” in most cases I attempt to capture what exist, rather than what I hope exists. To illustrate what I mean… Several years ago I
was photographing a Snowy Egret in a small lake in Florida. In the background was a soda can clearly visible, yet out of focus. The photo of the egret was pretty good, so why did I choose to
leave in the soda can? I did because I wanted to convey the reality of the situation… here was this beautiful egret, living in the garbage discarded by “man.” The beauty of nature is all around
us, yet there are “human vandals” that constantly mar that beauty with their thoughtless acts.
Sooo glad to hear that Shannon is making progress… ;-)))
I love the first photo with the post left in place and totally agree with Susan Stone. I couldn’t put it better. Still praying for Shannon and all of you.
I look at the second picture and think, “Strange feet there! Is the bird landing, taking off, or what?” So, I don’t mind the human mixed with nature, since we are all part of nature anyway. 🙂
Thanks for the update on Shannon. I can understand your concern about the decision to taker her out of ICU. However, she can be returned if necessary. You are all still in my prayers.
BTW, Keep working with the laptop. It helps with stress and anxiety and keeps your friends informed.
I like the first one, the un-cloned one, much better. No contest. I like that the post picks up colors in the bird and it also provides a sort of balance plus context. It’s another one where the foot position makes far more sense when the post is in the picture. The post also allows us to know that the photo is real rather than concocted (set up, baited, etc.).
The post is an important part of this picture. I love your original print. But aside from the artistic value of the post — removing it severs the bird’s connection with his environment. Why is he in such a posture in an open sky?? Everything points to this being the moment that he’s spotted prey on the ground. His attention is riveted. His legs have dropped and his talons opened. He’s adjusting his attitude for a power dive. In the next frame, the head will drop and the wings sweep back and the legs move forward. ….Nope, removing the post leaves my imagination way too much room to fill in details.
I like the first photo. It gives the bird a purpose and completes the reason for it’s launch position. I like the post since it has a very natural and rustic look. I think it anchors the photo. That is a lovely bird and a terrific photo.
Thanks for the update on Shannon. It sounds positive! Every journey journey starts with small steps! Never loose hope, Ron. Sending positive healing thoughts and keeping you and your family in prayer!
Hi! I like the post in the photo! The clone its feet and wing tips do not look right! Beautiful bird and colors anyways! Glad Shannon has been moved! I hope she gets good nurses who will watch her close! Love and prayers still going to Florida and the family! Sybill
I like the second better…the patterns in the post are so well-defined and strong othey tend to be distracting and obtrusive…if the the patterns weren’t so strong, I might like it better…that is not your typical, weathered wood, subtle-looking post. The move from neuro ICU is a good sign although scary for you because she’s still appears so fragile. They wouldn’t make the move if they didn’t think she was ready…docs don’t like to have their hard work undone and hospitals HATE law suits and bad publicity!!! Many visits from concerned family is a very good thing….extra eyes, extra hands, reminds staff that this person is well-loved, and it keeps people on their toes…all good….
Looking at them both, again, I can’t decide….like them both, but see arguements for each view, too.
No, I would not clone it out! I think the second picture is weird due to the way the legs are positioned with nothing for it to go to or come from.
I honestly don’t see why you dislike the first picture. I know, different strokes for different folks, but I prefer the first picture! I think it is a great shot!
The photographer is the artist and they should do whatever they want like any artist. That being said it up to the viewer to decide if it’s pleasing to them or not. This is very pleasing to me that the distraction of the perch was removed.
Charlotte
Image without the post looks unnatural to me.
Continued improvement is a happy thing.
Add me to those who prefer the post. It gives a more complete story.
I do feel your ambivalence about Shannon’s move. I have found the care, and the communication in ICU streets ahead of what it is in ‘regular’ wards. That said, I am also thrilled that they believe she can be moved.
All of you remain in my heart. Oceans of caring.
I like the texture of the post; the vertical streaks seem to mirror the lines of the feathers. Continued healing thoughts for Shannon!
So far it’s 7 to 1 in favor of the post with one who feels the same way as I do – we can’t make up our minds. Thanks so much for the feedback – it’s been a nice diversion to work on this post and reflect on your opinions.
I like post in better – feet look a bit weird to me without it. 🙂 Good Shannon is moving out of ICU and yet is IS scary knowing the VERY close care of the ICU has lessened. Hope things continue to improve for her.
The post is in a corner and doesn’t intrude too far int the image. It also looks sufficiently aged to seem a natural part of the scenery and completes the story line of a bird taking off from somewhere. That’s my story! 🙂 (and thanks for keeping us up to date about your daughter)
I have no problem in cloning it out. Ansel Adams took five years to get “Moonrise Hernadez” just the way he wanted it. In the process, he took out some clouds. If one of the foremost photographers our time could clone why not the rest of us? This is not photojournalism which has specific guidelines, it is art and by that every implication we are given the latitude and encouraged to be creative. If people have a problem with this, they would also have an issue with shallow DOF where the photographer intentionally blurs the background or with doing any sort of exposure compensation of even using a flash as that would alter the conditions or using any filter such as a polarizer.
The wood post looks surreal.. Almost like it was photoshopped into that first shot. It’s a good thing you took it out.
To me, the signpost itself almost looks collaged in. Something about the edges… at the same time, the bird seems unnaturally suspended without the vacated perch element. Geez. Tough call on this one. But, beautiful little bird either way.
I like the one with the post better. Maybe it is the context but it seem to put me right there & it seems more real.
PS. Prayers for your daughter continue.
So glad to hear that your daughter continues to improve. Stay positive, you have a lot of concerned fans sending positive vibes!
I understand your desire to clone out any signs of humanity but I like the first photo because the sign post adds context, balance and interesting texture without detracting from the main subject of the photo. Beautiful shot!!
Ron, I encouraged by the news of Shannon moving out of ICU, but I realize you are still worried and scared. We are all pulling for Shannon!! I like the post in the photo; I feel it gives the take-off posture some context, and provides us a glimpse into how this little bird makes a living 😉
Well said, Christine. Thanks.
Ron. As a human doc I suspect her being moved is good. Keeping you all in my prayers. The reason for posture and flight pattern of the bird is made clear by the post. And the bird is wonderful, thanks.
I appreciate your feedback on the image and I hoped that as a physician you might have some thoughts regarding Shannon’s move. Thank you, Diana.