Backlit Geese

The sun was rising, and these geese flew right into a shadow. Somehow they came out

exposed against the bright golden background.

good shot

Greg, I think you did a super job with track focusing. The DOF really very nice, I like that the wing tips are blurred.

I have no doubts that you wish the other geese weren't in the photo (or at least not in that poisition). As you mentioned to me, can't you just remove them? There seems to be a lot of area to copy from (only my thoughts).

That's not to take away from a technically well executed photo that you've done, great job!

Jessica

Thank you both for your comments.

 

Jessica, thanks much for your comments. I do wish the other two geese were in a more favorable position - ideally the front goose would have the wings down - but as always nature plays hard to get. I am against removing them. Cropping them wouldn't entirely remove the other geese. I could crop and try cloning out the other geese but this would a) be hard and b) any crop would still leave the other gease as major elements, and I am against cloning out major elements in my photos. Thanks again for the feedback!

Greg, I believe you are mistaken that removing the other two geese is such a major undertaking; judging by the fairly uniform and nicely blurred background I would say moderately difficult. You can have me eat my words by emailing me the not downsized version and have me have a stab at it. Regards, Dieter

Thanks Dieter, and thanks for the offer. After some thought I figured I'd give it a try. I am biased against this because I always hesitate altering my images this majorly and also I rarely see these geese flying alone, so removing the others might - at least for me - make this seem unreal. Thanks to you both for the comments, and I'll try to post a revision later.

When I mentioned the cropping, guess I brought it up stictly as a photo. I know that birders feel strongly that whatever imperfections on a bird (or animal) it should stay.

Jessica

Hi Greg, I'm always looking for practice photos (to keep my PS skills up). With the comments posted, thought I would play with this photo. I'm attempting to get into some production work (clients) so I practice doing things quickly and not over working. The work quick thing is my practicing to get me out of that overworking syndrome I have.

Thanks, Dave

Dave, thanks for taking the time. You did a great job modifying it. The modified version looks as I suspected...artistically it is much better looking (I think a crop to let it fall into the rule of thirds may be appropriate), but as a documentary of these birds it is strange looking because - as I said - I almost never see these birds flying solo. I guess its a matter of what type of presentation I'd like to take - or others would like to see ;) . Again, the effort is appreciated.

Greg, I had cropped 3 ways, enclosed a one. With the backdrop being so bland, your photo with the 2 companion birds gives that 3D effect. I do think that the birds need to be opened and the background made less dominant.

Dave

Thanks mucho Dave! I hope to site down when I have time and really think about and work on this one with the comments and your modifications in mind...or - another idea - head back out and try to get another :)

Greg, I don't mind that there are the other birds in the image. To me this is the leader of the pack type of image. This image is about the birds in beautiful light. The framing is excellent and with the other two geese, you get a sense of the togetherness that a flock is.

Thanks for your thoughts laurent...always appreciated!