Though I haven’t photographed many birds this summer, when I have had the opportunity, I have tried to create some different bird photographs than perhaps most are used to seeing. . Part of it is just experimentation to try to expand creative thinking about a frequently photographed subject. . When it comes to bird photography, it is hard to think up something that hasn’t been done before.
The first image here is an image overlay – done IN CAMERA! This feature is unique to Nikon DSLRs (like multiple exposure capability) and can yield some very interesting results You basically select two images and an ‘overlay ratio’ between them. Results are previewed right on the back of the camera I find it works best with a ‘normal’ exposure, and something like a motion blur (like used here) – or an out-of-focus image I have used it in abstracts and landscapes before, but rarely with wildlife. . So this was a bit of a test on my part. A bit bizarre perhaps, but nonetheless unique!
I have written about my affinity towards monochromatic wildlife images, and this woodpecker seemed to fit right in with that type of processing. Removing color always emphasizes other graphical elements of an image, and the feather patterns in this red-bellied woodpecker are no exception. . It also seemed to strengthen the graphical relationship between the bird and the nest cavity.
These different approaches are simply my own personal attempts to break my own preconceptions of what a wildlife image should represent Sometimes it takes freeing your mind and just learning how to play – no matter what the result.
Looks great! How you were able to get the overlay with the camera is pretty cool…
I also love to see monochromatic photos…you really are able to dial in on the images and textures which can get lost when you are dealing with color.
Looking forward to seeing more monochromatic shots…which I miss since there’s no more Life magazine.
Sandy
These are awesome. That is so cool that you can do image overlays in your camera. I love that picture especially.
I like both images for different reasons.. the bluebird is so unique.. what a great in-camera feature, am wondering why I haven’t viewed this technique before on forums, etc.. I’d be experimenting like mad!
and the red-bellied is very dynamic- .it allows the viewer, to see the bird in a diff. light so to speak..
and that’s always a good thing 🙂
I’d like to get into digiscoping birds, myself. Gotta save up some money for the equipment first, though.
Those are beautiful Mark. I really like the b & w woodpecker.
Thanks for sharing these Mark. I especially like the B&W rendition. It is so important to experiment, explore, and try new things, even if to confirm that you don’t like certain looks.
I love that you convert some of your wildlife images to monochromatic tones. I think many people miss the boat on what great patterns and textures there are in nature that you can only truly appreciate once you remove all that (distracting) color!