Bird Photography... Head Angle

[jprzybyla]

I captured images last Saturday that I think shows why the head angle of the bird is important. Here are the camera settings for the two images...

Nikon D7000
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED shot at 400mm (600mm FFE)
1/2000 F/5.6 Matrix Metering - 1 EV ISO 140
Post processed in Lightroom 5 and Photoshop Elements 10

This image is straight out of the camera, underexposed to preserve the highlights in the white plumage. The head angle of the bird is turned slightly away from the light coming in from over my left shoulder. There is shadow on the face, eye and breast of the bird.



In this image the bird has turned it head slightly towards the right. The light falling on the head, eye and breast is much better. Most of the shadows have disappeared.



Below is the post processed image. If I could have captured the image differently I would have lowered myself to be more level the bird. I also wish the birds bill was more distinctive against the background.

[NorthernFocus]

This a nicely demonstrated example, Joe. It's the details that separate average from exceptional. It is difficult sometimes for novice shooters to understand why we point out such little details when in critique etc. But they all add up. Definately with photography, the whole can only be as good as the sum of the parts.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[deetheturk]

Very nice as always Joe!

[jprzybyla]

Thank you all for viewing and commenting, very much appreciated.

[chauncey]

Wow, that is a very subtle but telling distinction. The average bird shooter like myself would not have
even noticed the difference.

[Suzan J]

Thanks Joe, for the clear illustration. It sure makes sense when you see it laid out in this way. I do like that deep blue water as well.

[Stagecoach]

Good demonstration Joe and shows how those minor differences can have such an impact on the finished product.

For me I'm still concentrating on herons which are the only decent sized models here and jump up and down ecstatically if I can actually get one within the frame

[TobyMac]

Great demonstration! Thank you for pointing this out, it's something I never actually really paid such close attention too.

[terrib]

Nice to see you, Joe. You've demonstrated the importance of where the light falls and also reminded people about keeping the highlights from blowing on the white bird. Dan pretty much said it all. Thanks for posting.

[Whistletown Wilds]

Love the third one! Wish I was in Fl.!

[Bobobird]

Great shots as usual and excellent mini-tutorial on light, shadow and positioning.

[jprzybyla]

Thanks everyone for viewing and commenting, very much appreciated.

[davidedric]

Thanks, Joe, it illustrates very well what you were explaining to me.

I hope you can post more educational series (edit: oops, I mean "more photographs" not "more educational")

Dave