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Inspiring and Supporting Photographers of Australian Birds

Osprey

Photographed by

David Budd on Sun 29th Sep, 2019 and uploaded on Tue 1st Oct, 2019 .

Resolution

840x1050

Viewed

663

36683

Comment

The image was taken at the Creery wetlands, part of the Peel Inlet, Mandurah. This is one of a number of nesting Osprey in this region. This Osprey uses a nest that is partly artificially made in a tree approx. three metres off the ground.

Equipment

Nikon D500, Nikkor 300mm f2.8, Nikkor TC 2.0 III (900mm) 1/2500sec, f7.1 Exp Comp -1/3EV ISO 220, Handheld

Location

Nairns Mandurah, Western Australia

Keywords

adult

This image is not available for download.

Bob Young	2019-10-03 10:05:13	Hi David, This is an interesting image in that the composition is not what I would expect. That does not mean that it is necessarily wrong, but it is so far off from my expectation that I feel there must be a reason that I cannot see. Apart from the composition I feel that the depth of field is a bit shallow and I am seeing some softness in the wingtips (particularly in the rear wing). It is difficult to be sure in a small image, but based on your exposure detail, I think you could have gone to f11 - the D500 should have no problems with the resultant increase in the ISO. With respect to the composition, I hope you will outline your objectives and reason for cropping as you have done. In particular: 1. What is the importance of the dead branch? Could it be reduced to about half its length? 2. Is it possible to reposition the bird so that the is more space around it - particularly on the RHS of the image. The bird appears to be about to take flight and some extra space for it "to fly into" can be advantageous. 3. Is it possible to crop the image to a landscape format? Apart from the above comments, I see no problems with the exposure, focus or post processing. As a suggestion, I would be tempted to crop out the majority of the dead branch and reposition the bird so that the eye is slightly above the mid-line of the image and to double the space for the bird to fly into. Some increase in the space on the left would probably be desirable to balance the image. I look forward to seeing your comments so we can continue this discussion. If possible is might be helpful if you could include a small un-cropped version of the image so we can see where you are coming from. Bob
David Budd	2019-10-07 01:40:14	--Hi Bob, Thanks for your interest in the image and your comments. In regard to the DOF, yes I agree that f11 may of been a better option, although using a TC 2.O III on the 300 2.8 does introduce diffraction so I rarely use f11 with that set-up Camera to subject distance was 44 metre and at f7.1 the DOF would be approximately 1.5m As the focus point was on the osprey’s neck the DOF should extend across most of the subject, except the far wing. However, I agree looking at the image at 100% there is some softness in the wing tip closest to camera which could be motion blur. In answer to your three questions: 1. Coming in from the LH side of frame, the tree provides a leading line into the image, and as a single narrow element, a upright or portrait frame was compositionally valid. 2. I agree with your observation that more space could be beneficial. To achieve that would mean lessening the crop which I think lessens the impact of the osprey as the main subject. 3. I have as you suggested, cropped the image to landscape format which has increased the negative space on the right. I would make the comment that the tree placement in the original image created a much stronger element as a leading line. As a recently joined member of BLP and new to this genre of photography I looked forward to contributing more images for critiquing. Thanks Bob for a most constructive critique. David Bob, I don’t see a way to attach a image to my response. I can send you a external link if that’s allowable under forum rules.
David Seymour	2019-10-04 14:45:36	Hi David, This one is certainly a striking image. I'm probably going to throw a bit of a spanner in the works here by saying that there's something about this composition that I really like as it is. I think it's to do with the forward-curving shape of the perch, which seems to add to the dynamic tension of the poise of the bird readying for imminent take-off. There's an overall impression of speed conveyed by the composition which I think may diminish if you crop it differently. Probably the only thing I'd try compositionally is to add a bit more space (but not too much) to the right of the bird and maybe above it (Bob's point 2) - but if you do this compare before and after images to judge which has the most impact. For some reason when I view the overall image, wanting more space in front of the bird doesn't seem to bother me as much as it might on a bird in flight, for instance. Cheers, David
David Budd	2019-10-07 01:51:23	--Hi David, Thanks for taking the time to comment on the image. As a novice to bird photography comments like yours are of great value to me. I liked the tree for its shape, also the fact it was dead, uncluttered and grey which contrasted with the blue sky It also created a good leading line and provided context to the osprey that was about to take flight. I certainly agree with you and Bob that there was too little negative space on the right and as Bob suggested I did a landscape version for comparison. Thanks again, Best wishes, David
Bob Young	2019-10-05 10:02:10	Hi David and David, Firstly, throwing a spanner in the works" is perfectly acceptable and David S's comments prompted me to reappraise the image. My initial thought was that this image had some "WOW" factor, but it didn't work for me. After looking at the image again, I am still of the same opinion. The old dead tree provides elements of leading lines, diagonals and curves as composition elements to draw the viewer to the point of the image. Those elements have been used quite effectively. On the other hand, the tree is consuming the lower 2/3rds of the image and occupies the key central area - the prime real estate in the image. When I get to the Osprey, I find the anticipation of imminent action dissipates almost immediately as I do not see the curve of the tree carrying through to the body of the Osprey which adopts a more horizontal stance. Any anticipation of imminent take-off is further thwart by the lack of space - the bird appears to be locked in by the boundary of the image with nowhere to go. The area for the bird to fly into in the image is less than 50% of the overall length of the bird. At this point (in my opinion) any dynamic tension peters out. David referred to "an overall impression of speed conveyed by the composition", but I do not see that. For that impression to exist, I would be looking for the stance of the bird to be angled upwards and more closely reflecting the curve of the branch. I would also be looking for some indication of tension and movement in the bird's stance. Apart from slight DOF blur in the wingtips there is no illusion of movement which is immediately obvious. In summary, the image is different from the average run of the mill bird on a perch images. It does have a certain WOW factor because of those differences. David S saw a dynamic tension in the bird being supported and enhanced by the angles produced in the old tree. My assessment is less complimentary as I see more changes in direction as opposed to a continuous flow direction from the bottom left of the image, up the tree and through the pose of the bird. Cheers, Bob
Mark Locker	2019-11-10 21:34:46	For my 2 cents. I dont mind it. After reading the above comments (which are all valid) and thinking of what I would have done differently- I like to leave more surroundings and environment in my pictures as personal preference, so the extra part of the tree doesn't bother me too much. I would have cropped maybe 10% more off the bottom, but I think that may be the way it displays on some screens. On mine I cant see the full image without scrolling. I think this alters the balance of the photo slightly so that it doesn't really need much more space on the right if any at all. A good effort, especially with the converter on.
David Budd	2019-11-17 00:07:21	Hi Mark, appreciate your comments.

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