Changes in light in a very short time can have a dramatic effect on our images. The phenomenon tends to be well understood by landscape photographers but it can have a similar impact in wildlife photography.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Short-eared Owl perched on a very old fence post this past June in southwest Montana near the border with Idaho. The background is mostly sagebrush and grass in full sun.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But only seconds later (the time stamp on both images is 8:27 AM) the background became deeply shaded by fast-moving clouds and changed the mood of the image dramatically. The effect of the passing cloud was very short-lived as the next image I took of this bird, also at 8:27, looked remarkably like the first photo I’ve presented here. I’ve done no processing on the background of either shot – all I’ve done is selectively sharpen the bird and the post.
I’m not saying that one photo is better or more appealing than the other – that determination would be a matter of preference and taste. But the two images are very, very different.
And I thought that was interesting because the contrast between the two images is so pronounced and its cause so fleeting.
Ron
I like them both!!
Wow. That’s an amazing difference
The trials and tribulation of us poor photographers well illustrated!
Charlotte
It is interesting and makes the point that patience and attention to the environment is part to the thinking that goes into good wildlife photography. I like the drama and contrast created by the darker background. Thank you for posting both so we can compare and think about this simple but important aspect.
I appreciate your kind comments everyone. I’m trying to fight off a cold so I’ve been taking a break from the computer for most of the day (two naps so far…). I apologize for the group “thank you” but it is sincere.
I just came home from observing rough legged hawks at the local airport. I had never seen them before and spent time watching two different individuals perch hunt. During my observation of the second and juvenile bird, a passing cloud greyed and softened all the colors for a short time. I wondered if something had gone wrong with my binoculars. About as fast as I thought “Maybe it’s a cloud changing the colors.”, everything was back to sunny color brightness.
I’m thinking this color changing effect would be pretty permanent on those long golden sunsets of autumn. You would not see the normal color, just a color with yellow and later pink overtones.
Love the moody magnificence in the second photo. Hard to believe that the are the same day and the same location. All in the light (and dark) indeed.
I think I like the second image better, because at least for me, the bird stands out more. The contrast between the two photos is very interesting.
yepper … it’s all about the light!!!
Your demonstration is excellent (maybe I can blame the clouds when my eagle shots come out crappy?). I love both, but I REALLY love the 2nd one – I am a sucker for dark backgrounds.
I tend to like dark backgrounds too, Roberta. They can be pretty dramatic and moody.
Hey, Ron,
I just wanted to take some time to say “thanks”. I’ve been lurking here every day for the past 2 months or so. Your images never cease to inspire me, and your commentary is always so informative. I’ve learned something new almost every time I visit. I frequently go on to look up terms you’ve mentioned or to read about the species you’ve photographed. Your work is amazingly beautiful and your commentary enlightening. I have passed your blog on to several bird and nature photography people in my life, as well as shared it on the FB page of the forest where I work as a naturalist. I have always had a fascination with birds, raptors especially, and am convinced I must have been one in a former life, if that’s possible 😉 Anyway, thank you. I enjoy your work immensely.
Your comment made my day, Ginny, and it’s only just begun. Welcome to my blog and thank you!
Well said