Brave Bird

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

20201204-100651DSC_0991-bewerkt
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Last Friday I was able to make the shot I wanted: the White-throated Dipper standing on the edge of a small waterfall, illustrating its ability to stay stable in the fast flowing water … During this morning I could make a series of totally different images, depending on where the bird was.
I wrote as usual a little blog: https://www.hansoverduin.nl/brown-eyed-girl/
Thanks for any reactions, cheers, Hans

What artistic feedback would you like if any?

Pertinent technical details or techniques:

(If backgrounds have been removed, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
Nikon D500 with 500mm f4 | 1/400s | f4 | ISO1400 | underexposed 2/3EV | camera on monopod

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2

This is really nice. Very unique with the position of the Dipper. Amazing how they can stand at that point in a little waterfall.

3

Living on the edge! Lovely photo Hans and your anticipation and persistence paid off handsomely. A tough exposure to not blow out some of the whites.

4

One of the best Dipper photos I have seen… great light and POV.

5

What a beautiful shot!

6

Well done! So nice to be able to plan a shot in advance and then have it actually happen. I’m really enjoying the composition, perch and background. I think you need a tad more color and contrast separation in the Brown plumage which seems to blend in to the background.

7

Excellent, Hans. Great setting and pose and some cool natural history thrown in. Artistically, I think the yellow blotches in the upper left could stand toning down a bit as they tend to pull my eye in that direction.

8

Wonderful catch!! I agree with Dennis about the UL BG – it would look lovely with more blur.

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Thanks @Keith_Bauer, @David_Leroy, @Dan_Kearl, @Allen_Brooks for your comments !
@David_Schoen: thanks, but I cannot see any brown blending in on my screen, but assume your are referring to the head?
@Dennis_Plank: thanks, good suggestion, I will try and tone them down a bit
@Diane_Miller: thanks, aperture is already at f4, so more ‘blur’ could only be achieved when applied artificially - normally I create blur through wide open aperture and low angle, but here the BG was too close to the bird :wink:

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I wasn’t very clear in my description but what I am trying to point out is the brown plumage in the head region is very similar in color to the background and if there is a way to increase the contrast just in that area, I feel it would make a difference.

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Okay, all clear. I will try and see what comes out, thanks for your suggestion ! Best, Hans