Laurie McShane  


 "Family".  by Laurie McShane

February 2021 - "Family".

About the Image(s)


Last summer, there were a few mornings when I was able to paddle fairly close to watch this little family, and the interactions between them. This photo is one of my favorite's because they just seemed to be looking at each other with love.

It was taken with my Canon 5D Mark 4, at ISO 1600, 400mm, F6.3, and shutter speed 1/2000.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted




 
What a beautiful family shot Laurie. I love the symmetry of the composition with both the parents and the chicks looking at each other. The colors and reflections add to the image and the eyes of all the birds have beautiful catchlights and the image is perfectly cropped. The only improvement I can suggest is to try and sharpen the heads of both "parents" using some post processing software. The eyes of the adult birds don't seem to be entirely in focus. I think that a bit of sharpening could address this and make this lovely image perfect.   Posted: 02/03/2021 23:39:34
Laurie McShane

Ruth and Andrew,
Thank you so much for your kind words and suggestions. I'm not sure how I can sharpen the image more though - I used Lightroom and worked on the eyes, adult heads and chicks, and also Topaz DeNoise, in which sharpening was done. Unfortunately, I think there may be a limit to how much repair can be done on this image, at least that I have access to. I've never heard of Alien Skin, but will check it out. Thanks so much!   Posted: 02/04/2021 11:16:41



Andrew Klein   Andrew Klein
Laurie - what a great capture. I agree with Ruth that the composition and the content are really great. There is an overall softness to the image. The eyes, as Ruth said, but the lack of detail in the feathers and softness of the chicks is what I see. Always a careful balance to add post-sharpness and not make the image look "processed". There is some post software (Alien Skin, I think) that I am told can work magic. Everything is so perfect that that extra would bring this to another level.   Posted: 02/04/2021 09:31:39



Kathleen Colligan
I am an avid birder so I absolutely love this photo! To get a shot of them looking at each other like this is amazing. The loons' striking patterns in your close up photo with the bright red eyes make it so interesting. The reflections and water bubbles add to the photo. Taking photos while paddling is always a challenge too . Congrats!   Posted: 02/06/2021 05:07:22
Laurie McShane
Thank you, Kathleen.   Posted: 02/06/2021 15:31:42



Gregory Stais   Gregory Stais
I concur with everyone's comments. This is indeed a beautiful image. Awesome capture!   Posted: 02/19/2021 11:20:38
Laurie McShane
Thanks so much!   Posted: 02/19/2021 21:25:28