Richard Distlerath
About the Image(s)
This photo has troubled me with ambivalent feelings.
I had been shooting birds in flight when these two comorants squabbled in front of me at 80 feet away. It all happened so fast.
The color version is so very busy with the water flying everywhere. I prefer the black and white image as it crytallizes the story for me. The BW version is my main image.
I shot this image with the OM1 Mark2 with OM150-400 pro lens at 1/4000 sec, f4.5 and iso 640 with exposure bias of -1.0. Focal length was 280mm (560 full frame).
I like any comments about the color versus black and white versions. Is the photo impactful for you?
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Richard, your image has strong visual impact and was certainly caught at the peak of action. I like both images but I really prefer the color image in this case and the reason is that the splash takes over prominence in the monochrome version. I could be wrong but the bird with the fish is an Anhinga and the chaser is a Cormorant. Super image!   Posted: 03/01/2025 07:55:27
With this image, I wish you were in My Bird group but # 21.   Posted: 03/01/2025 19:02:26
I agree with Tom. This is really a super image!   Posted: 03/02/2025 06:59:16
(Group 2)
It's a wonderful moment. relatively, For this picture, I like color more than black and white.   Posted: 03/03/2025 19:45:43
Richard - excellent image. I agree with Tom. The black and white version make the splashing water too prominent and detracts from the birds.
Great shot. I've never had much success with action shots. You did a terrific job with this!!   Posted: 03/05/2025 20:06:06
Great shot. I've never had much success with action shots. You did a terrific job with this!!   Posted: 03/05/2025 20:06:06
I prefer the color image over the black and white. The water droplets covering the second bird seem too contrasty and distract from the overall image.
I do like the action that is captured in the image. It would have been fantastic to watch the fight over the fish unfold.   Posted: 03/21/2025 01:26:19
I do like the action that is captured in the image. It would have been fantastic to watch the fight over the fish unfold.   Posted: 03/21/2025 01:26:19