Critique Welcomed 'Oyster Rush'

[Gavin Robert]

I took this at a favourite spot of mine on the island where few tourists can get to. The kind of hidden place where energy bars and a toilet roll are as important kit as the cameras.

These were Oyster Catchers which I find intriguing to photograph and a good specimen for practising panning. Because they flock on the shoreline when you approach them they fly out over the water and around you to the other side, so when you walk back towards them they do the same again, and again and again....... each time panning the camera and seeing how well we understand panning and IS settings (not me!).

I ran it through CS4 or 5 and gave the image apx an 80% glamour glow, apx 30-40% defocus and then several progressive hard sharpening layers. Another of my favourites for its simplicity but effectiveness.

If I were to change anything it would be to create more in-frame space to the right so they have a little more room to fly into. Apx another 40% from nearest beak to right frame edge.

Takes a little time for the eyes to settle on it.

 

[Pete Askew]

That is very effective Gavin and I'm partial to the glamour glow effect too. This sort of has the look of a Japanese painting somehow I think. Wonderful stuff.

 

[Gavin Robert]

You got me thinking Pete as I couldn't hang my hat on the familiarity, but you're right. I looked at Japanese art and its similar in construction to Japanese ink paintings.
Quite amazing that you spotted this and thank you Pete. I rarely start off with a firm idea how the image will finally end up but the first three quarters of the process I'm usually sure of, however Japanese ink paintings never crossed my mind.

The attached example should make a connection.

 

[Pete Askew]

Yes, it was the strokes of black that triggered the connection for me. I think it works really well in any case.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Fabulous portrayal of movement Gavin - See what you're saying about space to fly into, but I think it stands as art as is.

The blue tones are very soothing to the eye - although for some reason I had the birds flying the other way in my head for the first two minutes!

 

[Darren Bradley]

Great idea in using that to your advantage. Interesting effect, too.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I love this shot.

 

[Lesley Jones]

Wonderful image! I've picked up the glamour glow and put it back down again - never found anything that made me brave enough to use it. I would normally agree about a bit more space in front, but it really doesn't bother me here

 

[Ronald Atchley]

Wall Hanger I like this a great deal.

 

[Brian Moore]

I too see the similarity to Japanese imagery, but I doubt I would have connected it had Pete not mentioned it. (Nothing gets past our Pete!) Its a great image, Gavin. And I agree with what Chris said: "it stands as art as is."

 

[Gavin Robert]

Is someone paying you lovely people? I'm overwhelmed that these images are being so well received and its much appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time no matter which way you thought they were flying!