Ballet of the Terns

[loose cannon]

A large flock of terns were diving in the shallows shortly after dawn on the mudflats and I've tried to capture some images with interesting composition rather than bother trying to get close and get detail.

I'm quite happy with the way these turned out and have a preference for the first based on simplicity.

Thoughts?

[beeb]

#1 is superb, easily saleable as a fine art print.

#2 is good also, but is outshone by #1. It could possibly use a touch more space on the left IMO, as if feels slightly off-balance if that makes sense. I think the subtle grey tones in the background of #1 convey more of a sense of movement, and make it seems a bit more 'mystical', like a rare glimpse into a secret world. Or I could be looking into it a little too much, lol...

[timmo]

mate these rock....yeah #1 for me and only because we see just a wee bit more detail in the terns.
beautiful work in both instances
cheers
tim

[loose cannon]

#1 is superb, easily saleable as a fine art print.

#2 is good also, but is outshone by #1. It could possibly use a touch more space on the left IMO, as if feels slightly off-balance if that makes sense. I think the subtle grey tones in the background of #1 convey more of a sense of movement, and make it seems a bit more 'mystical', like a rare glimpse into a secret world. Or I could be looking into it a little too much, lol...

Thanks Tim.

I posted these late last night and this morning #2 doesn't look so flash lol.

I'm really happy with #1 though. It's a great feeling when you capture what you see with the mind's eye, wish I could do it more often.

These were taken at a spot that is fast becoming a favourite - mudflats at low tide shooting straight into the early morning sun. Almost impossible to get a normal bird capture but plenty of opportunity to play around and experiment.

mate these rock....yeah #1 for me and only because we see just a wee bit more detail in the terns.
beautiful work in both instances
cheers
tim

Cheers tim, I'm having doubts about #2 now lol. I reckon the processing in #1 is better now I've had a look with eyes refreshed after a good sleep.

[Greenspeed]

Really like these, esp #1. Simplistic and well capture. Like Tim, I think you can make some $$$$ out of these.

Well done.

[Alan]

Just beautiful Mick - well seen and realised.

I love them both - #2 is growing on me, Maye just darken it a tad?

:thumbs::thumbs:

[loose cannon]

Really like these, esp #1. Simplistic and well capture. Like Tim, I think you can make some $$$$ out of these.

Well done.

It would certainly be nice to make some money from my hobby.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Just beautiful Mick - well seen and realised.

I love them both - #2 is growing on me, Maye just darken it a tad?

:thumbs::thumbs:

Thanks Alan. I'll probably play around with #2 a bit. I have a few more images in the series that I might look at as well and I'll certainly revisit this location and see if the terns make a return visit.

Just a beautiful place to be in the early morning and two minutes from home so it's not like I'm struggling for my art here lol.

[Isac]

What else can I say? Both great, #1's a gem.

[loose cannon]

Thank you Isac. I'm trying to break away from 'normal' bird photography a little bit. The 100-400 is a wonderful lens but in many instances is too short for capturing detailed action but as the old saying goes, when one door closes another opens...

[Phoenix]

I think they are both wonderful. Really quite fascinated by all the striking poses the terns have made.
I like the soft vignette in number one.

[Isac]

Thank you Isac. I'm trying to break away from 'normal' bird photography a little bit. The 100-400 is a wonderful lens but in many instances is too short for capturing detailed action but as the old saying goes, when one door closes another opens...

You are doing really well with the 100-400. I borrowed one from a friend last year (Hardly Normal matched his grey price only $1290 - what a joke), and I found that although the IQ was great, I was after a bit more length, hence the siggy 150-500. It's OK for me because I have a shoulder strap and it's not too bad to lug it around. I'm glad the door has opened to another view for you. Looking forward to more of your work. Cheers Isac.

[avkomp]

the minimalist feel of the first is a clear winner

good work