My entries for the first round of this season’s internal print competition were two images that I plan to enter as replacements at my next attempt at achieving the entry level distinction of the PAGB. So it was with a little trepidation that I listened to the judge’s (few) comments. . .
Willow the Tawney Owl
Willow was the second bird of prey that I photographed at the Natures Photos event. She was on a branch under cover and we were all stood in the pouring rain . . .
Judge’s comments
… lovely amount of detail on that owl, I like the background as well, very good separation… just work out that is where the other eye is, it is not quite side on
… I would want to see that eye, I can just make it out, I find it just a bit distracting
… sorry just being really really picky
Shadow dancer
For this RPS organised workshop our model was Kate Byrne. Her costume for this image was the one she wore at the London Olympic opening ceremony.
Judge’s comments
… another one that has got nice lighting on… you’ve got nice breathing space around the dancer there
… I’ll hold this one back too
The scores
There were 33 images in this print round in Division 1.
‘Shadow dancer’ scored 9 and ‘Willow the Tawney Owl’ scored 8.5.
The original images
‘Willow the Tawney Owl’:
The image was shot at ISO 320,200mm, f4.0 and 1/100 sec.
I chose this image because of the detail and sharpness of Willow’s eye and the texture of Willow’s feathers against the backgroun. After cropping in LightRoom I tidied up the backroom, used clarity and sharpening to bring out Willow’s feathers.
It is ironic that I have lots of images of Willow looking directly at the camera or sitting in profile on the branch. My lesson learnt from this evening will be to review my chosen images for competitions!
So should have been both eyes or a proper profile…
These are the other images from the Specialist Birds of Prey photo shoot.
‘Shadow Dancer’:
The image was shot at ISO 100, 50mm, f9.0 and 1/125sec.
Using PhotoShop I tidied up the floor under Kate’s feet and cropped to remove the top of the back screen. I used Lightroom to darken the shadows, to lighten her up stretched hand and finally to reduce the glare on her arms and face.
These are the other images from the Creative Dance Lighting Workshop.