Cindy Marple
About the Image(s)
Anhingas were a frequent sighting along the rivers in Brazil’s Pantanal. Their feathers aren’t water-resistant like ducks are, due to the lack of oil, so they must periodically dry the wings by outstretching them like this. We came across this backlit bird, and our boatman navigated us carefully within range of it, keeping the angle for the backlight. I did get other images where the background was more uniformly dark. I’m curious to know what others think about the bit of green vegetation as background, rather than all-dark? Post-processing: I’ve obviously cropped this – we did get much closer, but not with this background - and brightened the bird a bit using the shadow slider. Also toned down the bright bit on the stump.Nikon Z9, 500mm, ISO640, 1/800, f/5.6.
8 comments posted
Their wings I think are thick, so not much light will come through them when backlight - I thus agree with your high contrast approach. Your 2nd version retains this while maintaining a believable amount of light on our side. It also keeps the viewer's attention on the lighter head and edges nicely.
As to your question, I like the green background as this is an environment image. I don't find it distracting and under these circumstances, I play with negative use of white, texture and clarity sliders to keep the background visible, while trying to leave it saying 'don't look at me'!
Lovely image.   Posted: 09/12/2023 01:25:58
(Groups 21 & 48 & 71)