Prepare yourself because I’m probably going to overanalyze this first image. I can feel it coming…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Occasionally a photo appeals to me largely because of its visual tension. The juxtaposition of opposing forces and/or asymmetrical composition can create a sense of instability that adds a feeling of energy and vitality to an image. This photo of a Ferruginous Hawk taken a few months ago in Montana’s Centennial Valley is just such an image for me.
I like the asymmetry of this perch and how its apparently unsupported left side appears to oppose the force of gravity. I almost expect those wooden rails to fall or at least lean down on that side. And because the hawk is standing on one foot its posture isn’t quite vertical. The bird is leaning slightly to our right – almost like it’s tipped in that direction in an effort to prevent the rails from falling (or to compensate for it if they do). The more I look at this photo the more I enjoy its visual tension and that surprised me.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A few seconds later the hawk took off. Though the bird is side-lit there’s some light in the eye and I like the way the horizontal wing position mimics the old wooden rails.
But I’ll be perfectly honest. When I quickly culled the images taken on this day several months ago the only reason I kept that first photo was as a potential introduction to the take-off shot if I ever chose to post it. Now I actually like the first image at least as much as I do the second, for the reason’s I’ve stated above.
Opinions may vary and that’s perfectly fine. After all, so do tastes…
Ron
PS – For curious regular readers – these images were taken with one of my 7D’s instead of my 7D Mark II because the Mark II was malfunctioning at the time.
I relish the term Ron-mustard and hope that it will ketchup to other terms in our vernacular. 😉 (Sorry. You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but…)
I really enjoyed your take on the first shot as well as Susan’s cape-sighting. I often get as much joy from the comments as I do from your posts, Ron.
I can almost hear the kids in our classes groaning now, Marty – that’s something I would say in my classroom too.
The Ron-mustard is a selective spice. Brilliant phrase.
And the images (both of them) are a truly delightful (lateish) start to my day.
I love the intensity of the gaze of the caped crusader in the first, and that wing spread in the second. And yes, weathered wood is always a winner.
I figured you might enjoy that phrase, EC. And use it on me occasionally, deservedly or not… 🙂
The light feathers are a nice contrast with the posts and background. Beautiful bird. I think you captured him/her well.
Thanks very much, Jean.
I like the first image very much, more so after your comments about tension. But, I LOVE the second image!
Thanks, Nancy. I think they both have their strengths and weaknesses, just like virtually every other image. I’d have a hard time saying which one is my overall favorite.
The second image is my favorite of the two. I like how the bird is almost centered over the post and how the “long wing” and “short wing” (from this perspective) match the ratio of the visible portion of the rails (measured from the post).
Good point about the matching ratios of the rails and wings, Dave. I hadn’t noticed that.
Beautiful shots, Ron. I was told long ago not to be too quick to disposed of photos unless they had obvious flaws. I’ve found when I come back later that, like you, there are redeeming features to some of them. :)Glad you kept and reconsidered this one.
Judy, I often wonder how many shots I’ve deleted that I’d have wished I hadn’t if I’d taken more time while culling. But culling takes so much of my time as it is I can’t bear to spend more time at it. At some point it would take away from my time in the field.
Fantastic shots Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
I like both shots. The first because I’ve never seen a bird wearing a shawl or cape before (that’s what the feathers look like to me), and the second for the way it shows off the feather patterns. When I read your description of what you see in the first photo I can see it, but I guess I’m not awake enough to see it on my own… 🙂
“but I guess I’m not awake enough to see it on my own”
Another cup of coffee might remedy that, Susan. Or maybe my take on that image is largely only my own.
I know what you mean about that apparent “cape”. Before I posted I looked at other shots of Ferrugs I have and I don’t see it in any of the others I’ve checked.
Any shot with weathered wood has appeal for me…add an incredibly beautiful bird, and I’m happy as a clam! I agree with both you and Dick about the first….would
Iike it both ways….love wing position, with curving primaries, in the last–and like that you like the first!
I agree with you about weathered wood, Patty. Old gray weather-beaten wood can’t easily be beat.
I really like these pictures individually and as a pair. The first for the reasons you gave but also how it’s bright chest jumps out. the second because the straighforward intent of its head and body is so gently balanced by the curving lift of its primaries and outstretched tailfeathers. The pair because in just a flash the bird transforms from a resting observer of the land to flight. If someone had never seen a bird before and were just shown these two photos individually, it would be hard for them to believe it was the same individual photographed a few seconds apart. Glad you kept and shared them both.
“If someone had never seen a bird before and were just shown these two photos individually, it would be hard for them to believe it was the same individual photographed a few seconds apart”
Good point, Kent. I often keep a “less desirable” photo as in introduction to another one because I believe it helps to fill in some blanks and tell the story. And I do love photo-stories, especially when the subject is birds.
Different strokes for different folks!
I don’t see the first image the way you do. To me, the shot shows the strength of focus the hawk has as it looks past you. Its slight lean to its left positioin is due to its intense stare and seriousness of purpose. I think a cropped shot of just the hawk on the rail would be fantastic. Obviously, the intent of the hawk when it took off was not to follow where it was initially looking.
Both shots are great, thanks for sharing.
Variety is the spice of life and that applies to tastes in photography too, Dick. Thanks for sharing your take on the image.
Love your ‘analysis’ which I experience as expressing your intuitive response of pleasure rather than an over-analytic dismissal of an image for not cutting the ‘Ron-mustard’! (There! I’ve coined a phrase for when selectivity undercuts joy! 🙂
“not cutting the ‘Ron-mustard”
Oh-oh, I think I’m in trouble now! Down the road I suspect I’ll be seeing that phrase again. And again…
Thanks for providing your perspective, Alison.
You may hear that from others as well – “Not cutting the Ron-mustard”! VBG!!
I will definitely use that term, along with LBJ’s and “britches”, only I will abbreviate it to “R-m”, but you’ll know what I’m talking about! Thank you. Allison, you done good!
🙂
Boy! Is this ever well-said!!!!