• BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

    Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Northern Flicker (male)
digishooter

Northern Flicker (male) (Colaptes auratus)

Unfortunately there is contrashading about the head. This is why it is important to divorce ones mind from what is in the view finder, vs what one WANTS to see. One aspect of photography that is difficult to master, is what is literal and what is percieved. The minds eye sees an ideal image of correct light, composition hues, tones and clarity. It's what WE want to see. It is not what the camera sees. The camera is literal in it's captures. In my mind I see an image that is without shadows about the head. This comes from the anticipation of getting the shot ( in other words not being critical ). This is the exact time when a deep breath needs to be taken and then become critical of what IS in the view finder, NOT what I PERCIEVED. This is what is meant by divorceing the mind from the eye. Learn to SEE WHAT IS THERE.
Habitat
Chaparral: rolling hills / mixed oak and pine
Location
Wofford Hts.: Kern Co., CA., USA
Date taken
Dec. 2008
Scientific name
Colaptes auratus
Equipment used
Canon 30 D: EF 500 IS L @ 4.0: 1/1250 @ f 6.3, EXP comp -.66 : ISO 500: white bal 5300 : Fill flash Canon 580 EX gun; -1.66 comp : all manual settings : metering average : RAW, processed in Adobe Lightroom, CS2, Neat : monopod
Yikes, Mark, almost sounds like you're lecturing yourself. LOL
No worries, I can understand what you are saying about this photo, but all isn't lost, buddy. This is a truly remarkable shot, considering detail and pose! A little masking and exposure compensation in PS goes a long way to save some of my photos. ;)
Your tip is a good one, though, and fair practice for anyone looking to make there work even better! Thanks for the post and the advice! :t:
 
Thanks for the wise words, and for this great image! The pose is outstanding and the shot (while not flawless) is a giant step in the direction of perfection!!
 
I see a beautiful Northern Flicker shading his eyes from the glare of the sun to get a better look at you!
But I understand what you're saying, Mark - great information.
 
OK, Sir, lesson learnt... now to the field to practise!!! ;)

Liked James's observation!!! ;) And your Flicker pic is wonderful in spite of the "defect" your find in it!!! o:) Thanks for your priceless advises and the stunning image to illustrate it, Mark!!! :clap: :clap:
 

Media information

Category
North America
Added by
digishooter
Date added
View count
137
Comment count
14

Share this media

Top