March 5, 2009

Houston Zoo #9


As I was getting a drink, this black bird flew over and landed on the post about 15 feet from me.  I had just changed my lens to my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8.  I wanted the photograph to show the blue/black of the bird against the bright, multi-colored background of flowers.   From where I was sitting, the bird’s tail was positioned where it was not framed by the colorful flowers.  I decided to take the shot as it was presented (which is this one) and then try to move my position so that all the bird's tail was framed by the flowers.   About the time I got repositioned Mr. Blackbird remembered he had an appointment and flew off.  So goes the live of a famous bird photographer.

Enjoy.

Camera settings: Nikon D3, 70-200mm f/2.8 at 200mm, shot at ISO 200, f/8 and 1/250.

PS--I checked today's posting and noted the background does not have any of rich, deep colors that the shot has (even when I hit preview posting at blogger).   Any ideas about this?

3 comments:

  1. Do not know what to do about the color other than resubmit a punched up version of the photograph. This version does not present a lot of contrast between black/blue and colorful background. I would like to see an updated version.
    Ted

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  2. I like the bird part but the background seems washed out. Would like to see a revised version.
    Anne

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  3. I'm not sure what you guys are looking for in this shot. I have a recently re-calibrated monitor (Dell 2405 w/Spyder 3 Pro) that shows very accurate colors on the bird and in the background. I can also see very fine detail in the feathers, with transitions between the blacks and blues on the body showing well.

    There is separation; so are you just expecting more processing? The colors are "real" on my monitor and to my eyes. The photo looks the same in Firefox and IE.

    I think everyone, including you Larry, is just so used to some of your other recent higher contrast images that you find it difficult to accept a very well exposed "standard" photo. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

    DHaass

    ReplyDelete