Puffin

[colin C]

I still haven't got my definitive Puffin with Sand Eels, but I quite like this one which was backlit and with some out of focus blue bells.

Because of the strong backlighting, I needed a couple of stops underexposure to make it work. Manual exposure: 1/640sec, F5.6, ISO400, 490mm.


C18I5617b by Colin Cross, on Flickr

[Dawesy]

Re: Puffin

Stunner Colin

[Stan]

Re: Puffin

like the lighting on him Colin

the foreground looks a bit bright, had you thought about toning it down a bit and cloning the bit of mauve flower from the top left corner which is drawing the eye a little

stan

[the black fox]

Re: Puffin

Very nice indeed Colin ,good to know I'm not the only one without the classic sandeel shot

[Trev B]

Re: Puffin

Very nice Colin, but would clone out that OOF Bluebell TL, but nevertheless a excellent shot

[Nathaniel]

Re: Puffin

As usual, sharp and nice.

[DaveG001]

Re: Puffin

Like others I think the Puffin looks great Colin
if mine I would perphaps dodge the highlighted area as on the top of the Puffin's head and shoulders then quieten down / crop out the left side and bottom on the frame
Cheers
Dave

[colin C]

Re: Puffin

Many thanks for all of your very kind suggestions, which I have included in the following revised version. Losing the out of focus bluebell seemed to alter the dynamics of the shot, so I have made a small alteration to the crop, which seems to bring it back into balance.

C18I5617c by Colin Cross, on Flickr

[ST-EOS]

Re: Puffin

Well captured Colin, great light and subject. I prefer the first one, though there is nothing wrong with the edit you posted.

[colin C]

Re: Puffin

I prefer the first one

So do I Peter and that's why I posted it like that.

However, I am conscious that I have the emotional baggage that goes with the shot. The feelings when I was there, the shot that I actually decided to take at the time and what I was trying to achieve; one of which was the backlit Puffin amongst the bluebells and I am comfortable that with the conditions and light at the time, I got what I wanted.

But ............ if this were entered into a competition, a Judge needs to comment on the shot for a couple of minutes before moving onto the next shot and the easiest thing to comment upon are errors, or perceived errors. Bright areas towards the edge are a no-no and equally, areas brighter than the main subject are also frowned upon, as they distract the eye from the main subject. So, for competition the trick is to remove any element that the judge can criticise, get it technically correct, make the strongest composition you can and all being well you get a positive response from the Judge and a high mark.

The second shot is therefore for the Judge and I commend those members who suggested the alterations, but the first shot is for me.