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Untitled

© Stephen Shoff

Untitled

Uploaded: December 23, 2011

Description

f/7.1, 1/500 sec., ISO 1000, program mode; EF200mm f/4L IS USM, +1.4x extender

Exif: F Number: 7.1, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/500 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 1000, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 420.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 50D

Comments

Stephen Shoff December 23, 2011

For the last week or so as I drove past as small, local lake on the way to work, the geese were just lifting off looking for breakfast. I was in a carpool and couldn't stop. But Christmas Holidays started today! Yea!!

The images aren't great photographic quality -- the camera wasn't finding the focus point and the noise is terrible. Tommorrow I try with my 5D instead. Less reach but hopefully better quality. Photo-realistic isn't always what I am after, so this is posted as an artistic effort.

I won't be able to rework this. I overlaid my working PSD file as I was saving my resized files for uploading, but I'll still be interested in feedback. #1432104

Jodi M. Walsh December 23, 2011

i see this as a painting and I really like it. I love the muted colors in this. I hope you get some more shots over the holidays. #9884536

Dale Hardin December 24, 2011

No excuses needed on this image Stephen. Good comp, great muted tones, and lovely subject matter. Put an ornate frame on this with a wide mat and it would fit perfectly in an old English Manor. #9885569

Stephen Shoff December 24, 2011

Thank you, Jodi/Dale. If that is how you are seeing it, the edges look OK, and the contrast between the geese and the background doesn't look out of place, then I've been successful. #9885850

Sue C. Cole December 26, 2011

Sometimes we are our biggest critics Stephen. This is absolutely, outstanding. All I could say, before I read the discussion was WOW! I would hang this on my wall in a cabin.
#9887794

Beth Spencer December 26, 2011

I really like the composition in this, and the direction of the geese. I think the muted background helps to accentuate the geese. You are way too critical of yourself! #9887856

Anthony L. Mancuso December 26, 2011

I think some of the issues you pointed out are merited Stephen, but I also agree with the others that everything this one has going for it artistically outweighs the technical problems...nice job! #9887893

Stephen Shoff December 26, 2011

That's true, Sue, but this is an unusual kind of image for me to post, and involved processing unusual for me, so I was really just looking for the kind of feedback I've gotten...that I didn't over-do my post-processing.

This image had [emphasis on the "had"; lol] separate sets of layers for the background and the geese. It even had a pass through Nik SilverEfex as I was toying with the image. That provided a reverse vignette that I was interested to see if anyone would comment on.

Thanks for the comment on the composition, Beth. This group is good at detecting out-of-place and distracting elements. I wouldn't have been surprised to get one or two of that type of suggestion.

But mostly I'm pleased to hear that the contrast between the geese and background seems natural and pleasing. #9887916

Rita K. Connell level-classic December 26, 2011

all I can say is WOO WHO! this is a great shot I love the great muted colors of the bg and the flight of the direction on the geese. this is a great image....you should be very pleased with it. #9887972

Jeff E Jensen December 27, 2011

Sorry, I'm a bit late to the party. I have no complaints with this Stephen, this is pretty fantastic. I think this would look really good as a canvas gallery wrap. #9888532

Michael Kelly level-classic December 29, 2011

Stephen, this one works pretty well for me to. The background has an appeal to it that is almost like a tapestry rather than a photograph. The geese, as the subject, stand out well from the background. Overall I think it does give a very artistic feel to the viewer. Can't wait to see what you come up with when you have more time and using the 5D. #9892026

Peter W. Marks December 30, 2011

Well Stephen we are all pretty much in agreement over this image. Very nice indeed and if the scurvy lawyers hadn't fiddled me out of my inheritance I would have that manor house that Dale mentioned back in the old country and would have loved to have made you an offer for it. #9893738

Stephen Shoff December 31, 2011

I was able to make a test print of this. It came out better than expected. I'm fairly pleased with it. Thanks for all your feedback.

For those of you waiting for the results of my second attempt, here is a sample. I've done similar processing...just didn't have to overcome so much noise. #9895864

Joan E. Hoffman January 02, 2012

I absolutely love your original post Stephen.... It doesn't even require an ornate frame... lol. Beautiful colour, great comp... love it #9898970

Debbie E. Payne January 03, 2012

Stephen - It may not be what you originally wanted technically speaking, but it is a beautiful,artistic rendition of what you saw. The tones are perfect and enhance the feel of the image. Comp is great as well. I'm with the rest of the group that this has a very serene and calming effect on me. #9900308

Stephen Shoff January 03, 2012

Thank you Joan, Debbie.

Now my only quandary is do I resubmit this photo for Dale's monthly challenge. #9900652


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