My Thoughts on Sharp vs Intentionally Blurred; Bosque Wrap-up « Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

My Thoughts on Sharp vs Intentionally Blurred; Bosque Wrap-up

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This image was created with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8IS L II (hand held at 145mm) and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/13 sec. at f/13 in Tv Mode. Even dead clear mornings can provide nice color at Bosque. You do not need to add as much light as you might think at sunrise lest you risk blowing the RED channel. And Tv mode with either ISO Safety Shift of Auto ISO (as described in detail in both the 7D and the Mark IV User’s Guide) is the best way to go despite the protestations of the “real photographers work only in Manual mode” folks….

My Thoughts on Sharp vs Intentionally Blurred

Several folks who commented hit the nail on the head as far as I see it. Both are fine images. I like them both. But my very great preference is for the intentionally blurred image of the four cranes. What can I say? I have always liked blurs. And for me, this one is very special as the impressionistic blur of the wings of the four birds seem almost like the wings of a single creature. And I too love the light and the Southwestern colors.

This is not to say that one image is better than the other as that of course is strictly personal choice. I could however guarantee that the wigeon image would have zero chance of doing anything in a BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition while the crane image might do well in the right year….

Bosque Wrap-up

The 2010 “The Complete Bosque Experience IPT” concluded on Saturday afternoon with a visit to the Albuquerque Zoo. We had a great group, more than our fair share of clouds, some spectacular sunrise and sunset colors, and lots of south winds. And as I have stated already, conditions at the refuge were better than they have been in years. We had a great crew of co-leaders: Peter Kes from Switzerland provided lots of technical experitise in several areas, Denise Ippolito shared her creative genius, Jim Heupel was his all-around helpful self, and Robert O’Toole, though suffering through a very nasty cold, was there to assist all, to provide expert guidance to the Nikon folks, and to help me decide where to be and when. Thanks to all of the co-leaders and to all of those who filled yet another IPT. Be sure to see the next Bulletin for the complete trip report.

Shopper’s Guide

Here is a list of the gear that I used to create the image above.

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body

And from the BAA On-line Store:

7D & Mark IV User’s Guides

If you are considering the purchase of a major piece of photographic gear be it a new camera, a long lens, a tripod or a head, or some accessories be sure to check out our complete Shopper’s Guide.

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