Typically I’m not fond of shadows falling onto birds in my photos but I’m rethinking this one.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This Yellow Warbler in the Wasatch Mountains nine days ago came in so close I could barely fit him in the frame. In fact I clipped his tail multiple times. In a few of the shots he actually gave me some eye contact and I was happy to get him out in the open like this. That doesn’t happen often with this species.
At first glance I was disappointed to see these shadows on his lower back and side. For years I almost instinctively haven’t liked shadows on my birds. But I’ve been thinking about it and wondering why I usually feel that way and realized it’s probably a concept drummed into me by others in an online bird photography critique forum (NPN) I was active in for many years.
But I have to wonder if distinct shadows on birds in photography are necessarily a negative. Undeniably many shadows detract from the image but this one has me thinking. I actually don’t mind it at all, probably because it’s so obviously a shadow thrown by plant parts – young leaves or other structures. Both shadows and the plants that cast them are natural so I’m thinking they don’t have to be a negative by definition. Of course individual taste is part of the equation too.
I’m still evolving on this matter but those are my thoughts at the moment. For what they’re worth.
Ron
I feel like the shadow makes the photo more natural as if I was seeing it with the naked eye. It is beautiful and the shadow far from distracting.
I think it’s a great photo, and this particular shadow adds to its beauty.
Wonderful shot Ron!
Charlotte
INcelrbrate your new found tolerance and appteciation!!! The image of that little golden spirit lifter is WONDERFUL!!! And the shadow of either a blossom or a small lea cluster is a plus…
I can be a little flexible occasionally, Patty. It surprises even me when it happens…
Is it just me? I see triple or quadruple the number of yellow warblers here around my house at Parley’s summit. Even earlier than yearly first appearing as well.
I meant:
Even appearing earlier in the year this year as well.
I haven’t noticed it Art, but then I have to go up into the mtns to see them so my observations on the subject wouldn’t be particularly valid.
Ron, for starters, I am very glad that you posted this beautiful bird. The shadow certainly has made for great conversation and comments on your blog today. You have a way of bringing up a topic and “letting it run”. I believe you get great delight in doing so. Keep them coming!! Thanks, Ron
Thanks, Alice. I do enjoy it but my prime motivation is getting feedback from my viewers and learning from it.
Ron, that is what I meant to say. I know how you enjoy feedback from your readers, and understandably so. I enjoy it as well.
Very thoughtful post, Ron. May I add that the leaf shadows hint at the tendency to see these guys flitting in and out of same.
You’re right, Lyle. They do.
I’ll “ditto” the previous comments about Mr. Sunshine (nothing can take away from that face!).
Happy Fathers’ Day to you and all the dads out there!
(And now I can’t get the smell of freshly-run dittos out of my mind — is there such a thing as a “noseworm?”)
Thanks, Marty. I think there is…
Great photo of a favored bird. Keep the shadow unless it seriously detracts from the overall composition. Birds are a part of nature and so are shadows so I prefer to see a photo that helps tell a part of that story of birds in the natural world. Some years ago, there was a photographer (I’ll leave unnamed) whose images birds became very popular. But the background was manipulated (branched cleared away, etc.) and a strobe was used to freeze any movement. Many people loved the images, but I strongly disliked them, partly due to the ethics and partly due to the fact that you only saw a bird, but nothing to make look alive and natural, just a frozen image with nothing to help you get to know the bird. An unobtrusive shadow helps fill in the surroundings and gives the bird a place to be.
You’ve explained your position exceptionally well, Dan. I agree.
BTW, delighted to hear from Barbara’s post that you continue to feel better.
Happy Father’s Day, Ron. I love this photo! Thank you for all that you do to educate us on wildlife and photography. You broaden our world and increase our appreciation of the beauty uniqueness of life around us.
I appreciate your kind words, Melanie. Thank you.
I *really* like this image of one of my favorite birds, including and maybe especially because of the shadow of the plant. For myself, I prefer to see a bit of the habitat the bird is found in, and that often includes twigs, branches, rocks, water, and even shadows. You know who always get perfectly clean images? The photographers who set up perches away from other distracting elements. While I appreciate those perfect cover shots, a bit of “imperfection” makes it more natural and I know that is important to you.
You’re certainly right about those set up photos, Nancy. They’re usually easy to spot. Thanks.
Hooray for rethinking.
I really like the addition of the shadow in this shot. It is, as you say, obviously the shadow of a leaf/small branch and gives a further hint of the environment.
My thoughts exactly, EC.
Wow, you’re on a different schedule today…
Beautiful. No problem with the shadows especially on the back. I think because of the brilliant color that the head and eye catch your attention first and then the rest just flows into view. I am not sure if the shadows would have even caught my attention. Happy Father’s Day to you Ron, and to all those dads who are Feathered Photography followers.
“No problem with the shadows especially on the back”
You make a point I thought about making in my post, Everett – if the shadows had been on the head it would have been another story altogether.
I like this shadow, its shape and where it falls works for me. I think its great that you are offering shadows and such a chance at making the cut. Variety in the natural setting can make for some quite intriguing compositions. I like it.
Oh, and that de-ossification program, where do I sign up for that?
“Oh, and that de-ossification program, where do I sign up for that?”
I dunno, Dave. Can’t remember…
Beautiful! The shadow does NOT detract from the photo in any way in my opinion. 🙂 At times shadow(s) can overwhelm BUT also add high drama or just be part of the to the environment the bird is in. Depends on what the intended use of the photo is I guess…… 😉
That’s kinda the way I look at it, Judy. Thanks.
I don’t have a strong opinion about the shadow either way. “I once thought I was indecisive, but now I’m not sure.” I definitely would not discard the image. Rethinking is good, whatever the issue. It indicates the brain has not ossified.
Thanks, Dave. I’m working on “de-ossifying”… 🙂
Wow! A really nice photo of a usually very flirty bird.
Thank you, Nancy.
Nice photo! Being a fan of the natural world, I am always glad to see portions of the bird’s landscape included in an aesthetically pleasing way. A photograph will be much better off for these inclusions if they work in the frame. IMHO. Flickering light and mysterious shadows of leaves can certainly enhance the beauty of the bird. If the picture is strictly for IDing warblers then shadows on back feathers might cause confusion but this is not the case here, so kudos!
You made some good points, Joanne. Thanks.
If I had to wait until there were no shadows or interfering plant parts to ID a warbler, I might never get to report one to ebird. These little, quick birds usually stay obscured by the plants they are working for insects. Thanks for including this photo and rethinking shadows on a bird subject.
I’m curious what your minimum focal distance is with the lens/TC combo, is it enough to get a bird this size to be all in the frame at this distance? Or do you have to back away for a few inches? I love your attitude with “concept drummed into me by others in an online”. It seems a ton of photo enthusiasts get influenced into this mode of thinking that they forgot to pursue their own style/art. This shadow works for me.
Elmer, I’m not sure what the precise answer is to your question but I sure don’t have much wiggle room to focus on a bird this size and this close and get all of it in frame. I’m guessing that distance might be about 10′.
Elmer, I just looked it up. The MFD of my lens is 12.1′ but I’m not sure how my cropped sensor and teleconverter might alter that distance.
I’m very happy to hear your sense of appreciation for the “happy accidents” that open a new dimension to your work. I have appreciated the sheer beauty your work for a long time, and it means a lot to me that the pleasure and wonder that you feel in nature extends more fully into photos you might have once dismissed.
Alison, I dismissed this entire series of photos at first because of the shadow. Don’t know what made me rethink them.