Feathers

Played a little with the color and rotated it CCW. Comments welcome -

thanks!

I would not have known this picture was rotated if you had not told me. I don't think that matters. I don't know if that's important; I don't do digital.

 

I liked this picture because it showed a good range of tones. I particularly liked the way the darker tones of the ruffled feathers on the left counterpoint the subtle smoothness of the feathers on the right.

 

I liked it also because the tonal changes also coincide with a hue change; not only are some of the feathers darker or lighter than others, but they seem to be based on slightly different colors; from top to bottom the feather layers follow a simple pattern from white to brown to blue, from hot to warm to cool. This change in hue and color temperature coincides with a change in tone implies increasing thickness of the wing that appears to match the feathers; it helps to organize the picture.

 

Whether its caused by shadow casting or an inherent translucence in the subject, I noticed that some of the feathers appear to not only overlap, but overlap so that the farther feather can be seen through the edge of a feather. This helped to show the thinness of the individual feathers. It communicates delicacy.

 

I also see that there appear to have been no technical problems like unwanted flares or glares in this backlit picture. Good basic lighting control.

 

Good job.

Thanks for your detailed critique, John. The bird was cleaning itself, and was spreading its feathers. I just kept waiting for it to move its head up and got the shot of only feathers.

Beautiful image. I love the tonal work and the light. Very creative.

Beautiful abstract. The lighting and tones are great.

An absolutely stunning image. The light and lines are marvelous. Quite beautiful.

Patience paid well, Kim. Wonderful light and composition.

I'm glad to get confirmation that no animals (or birds) were harmed with the production of the image, although I suspected that was the case because the feathers are so perfectly aligned in their natural formation. Your patients has paid off and you were in the correct position to get the best use of the lighting. Nice work.

It was early morning and the birds were cooperative about standing in light. Thanks for visiting and commenting, everyone.

This is just beautiful! I love the repetitive lines and the back light is working wonders for you. What finishes off the composition so well for me is the last feather on the left and how much darker detailed it is. It is an amazing shot!

The bird the feathers belong to is in the New Work folder and is entitled "I have a headache". It's rather a homely bird, yet it has these amazing feathers!

I love all three, Kim, but this is my favorite. Exquisitely composed and lit, with, ahem, that nice, feathery touch of yours. Congrats.

This is a beautiful almost-abstract. The orientation is great (draws my eye UP), and I like the progression right to left of more tightly packed feathers to the ones that are coming apart. Nice!!

Sometimes it's fun to just take a small piece of something and make it more abstract. I liked the way the light was going through the feathers.

Beautiful Image, Kim.... the lighting is great... warmest regards

Thanks, Sheryl.