Preening in HK

[Andreas Liedmann]

• DxO PureRAW 4

Hi folks ... went a bit overboard with the lighter tones , albeit the shot was taken very close to the posted version in the brighter tones .
The ground was just light sand of the beach ... with some darker bits and pieces of pebbles and broken shells of mussels.
The sun was shining bright through a thin cloud cover, so not really creating any strong shadows .
I was actually photographing seals on the beach ... but the Oystercatcher was coming in reach , so I took the opportunity and captured a couple of shots .

Canon EOS R3
EF 500 IS L II
HH

F 7,1 ; Iso 4000 ; 1/2000 sec

Processed with PR 4 ; Darktable 5.0 and PSCC 2025 ; cropped for comp

THX for looking and commenting to my previous threads

Cheers Andreas

 

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very unusual image, I like the plumage detail and the pose - super shot!

 

[Kurt_Horne]

I don't think I've ever seen a high key image of an oyster catcher. For a moment I thought it was on a snow covered shore . I wish the wing didn't blend so seamlessly into the background but otherwise I love the idea.

 

[Andreas Liedmann]

THX Jon and Kurt .. glad you like it.

@ Kurt ... regarding the seamless blend of the white feathers with the BG , well i do understand your thoughts . Very difficult to get seperation , IMHO , at least the way i processed this image .

Cheers Andreas

 

[Kurt_Horne]

Yeah when the colours match they match! Still a super cool image.

 

[Brian Sump]

Stunning Andreas. Really a very unique image style with a great preening pose.

I'll just study this for a while and enjoy amigo!

Also, would love to see a B&W version. Could be really cool with the wingtips seemingly floating in space.

 

[Gerald Kelberg]

Hey Andreas,

I always like to see some experimentation and some different images. And Oystercatchers are great birds.

I have come back to this one several times, but my eye can't get used to the underwing white feathers being practically invisible against the background. I'm sure you could find a way to provide a visual difference to show an edge top and bottom of the wing.

Thanks for sharing,

Gerald

 

[Andreas Liedmann]

Yeah when the colours match they match! Still a super cool image.

THX again Kurt ... and there are always things that can be executed differently in a photograph

 

[Andreas Liedmann]

Stunning Andreas. Really a very unique image style with a great preening pose.

I'll just study this for a while and enjoy amigo!

Also, would love to see a B&W version. Could be really cool with the wingtips seemingly floating in space.

THX Amigo .. glad you like it !!!
If i have time ,i will give the floating wing tips a try
Cheers Andreas

 

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hey Andreas,

I always like to see some experimentation and some different images. And Oystercatchers are great birds.

I have come back to this one several times, but my eye can't get used to the underwing white feathers being practically invisible against the background. I'm sure you could find a way to provide a visual difference to show an edge top and bottom of the wing.

Thanks for sharing,

Gerald

THX Gerald ... for your thoughtful feedback .
I knew , that some might argue like you did and i do appreciate your vision and thoughts.
I could have for sure made it the way , what are you are asking for ... but decided against it .
Cheers Andreas