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My Buddy


My Buddy
Photo Information
Copyright: Darren Melrose (Darren) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 35 W: 0 N: 50] (245)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-05-09
Categories: Birds
Camera: Pentax *ist D, Sigma 70-200 f2.8
Exposure: f/4, 1/250 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Aquatic Birds 2 - Aves Acuáticas 2 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2004-10-09 14:31
Viewed: 1962
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is kind of a friend of mine. He is a regular at a koi pond at the 228 Peace Park here in Taipei. I am sure many here know at least as well as I do that this is a Black Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax. I didn't know that these birds were common throughout six continents, as I have only ever seen them in Asia. However, those who know me know I don't claim to be an avian expert. I really like the Black Crowned Night Herons as photo subjects for a number of reasons. First, they are large enough that you can make them fill up a sizable portion of the frame. Second, they are very still animals. Wildly fast shutter speeds are not needed. Third, although wary of humans, they are not so skittish that you can't get within a thousand meters of them. Finally, I think they are an awfully attractive bird on their own.

There is a decent and brief overview of the BCNH here. I won't simply copy and past, this is a pretty common bird, I am sure others have covered this as well.

Basically, because of their sort of squat build, and hunched over posture, I sort of think of these as the hookers (in rugby terms) of the bird world. Being an old prop/hooker myself, I probably associate with them.

This was shot with my 70-200 and a 2x teleconverter, tripod mounted, normal post processing and uncropped. Because of the teleconverter, the aperture would be f/8, not the f/4 showing below. ISO 400 focal, length 400mm.
PDP, RAP, japie, ellis49, gerhardt, milloup, marhowie has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Callie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1132 W: 105 N: 2609] (7531)
  • [2004-10-09 14:59]

Darren
Nice and moody shot of the BCNH. I find that using selective colour, and using the black slider at the bottom, helpswith the toning of the picture. Matbe just a wee amount more light in the eye here will enhance the impact. The 2x works well too.

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2004-10-09 15:24]

Bonita captura Darren.
La coloracion lograda por la falta de sol es excelente asi como su agudeza.
Muy buen DOF y perspectiva.
El detalle de los tonos blancos en este caso, es perfecto.
Interesante la nota que adjuntas tambien.

Pretty capture Darren.
The coloration obtained by the lack of sun is excellent asi like its sharpness.
Very good DOF and perspective.
The detail of the white tones in this case, is perfect.
Interesting the note that attached also.

  • Great 
  • japie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1814 W: 100 N: 1904] (5187)
  • [2004-10-09 16:14]

I want friends like these too! You captured it well. The composition is excellent and so is the color.

Thanks for posting

Very good Darren.
Good composition , nice colours and great details.
As Callie say , just a little more light.
Good note.
Very well done.

The composition is marvelous Darren. Some people tend to crop the things so much. The space you left him to look into is just right. The details are very well captured. The black & whites managed well. Don't you just love those two "racing stripes" What an animal! Nice note too.

A really nice photo Darren. The composition is good and the background is perfect. Great Job.

The capture is nice and sharp - and moody. He looks as if he could really do with a friend ;-))

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2004-10-10 5:34]

Nice work Darren, I love the space you have given him, although I bet it won't be to everyones taste. Beautiful detail and the light gives a very mood feel to it. Great shot.

Points tomorrow, I've spent all my tokens

Darren, Like the "racing stripes" comment & the "looking space" you've left in your comp. A great one!

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