Incredibly, this swan was sitting on a nest only about 10 feet form the roads edge. I pulled over and leaned out my car window... she didn't budge an inch. The male was down the shore about 50 yards doing his own thing. There are a few slight adjustments completed in PSE2. I would appreciate comments and even instructions on how to improve this photo. I think I will have the opportunity to return and try again, at least in the near future.
Outstanding colors focus and DOF. Thank you for your comments on my Pelican, I agree with your feeling on the border, and may try a repost at a later date.
Beautiful textures, color and control of the white areas. My only suggestion, for this photo would be to try to clone out the green reed, just behind the swans neck..it is a bit distracting. If you have a chance, I would mount a white reflector on a long pole ( a retractable gold ball retriecer is quite sturdy, and fairly easy to manipulate), and slowly try to get it at an angle that may reflect some light near the head...much easier said than than done! Also, I wonder what would happen if you returned near dusk, and tried to light her up a bit with your car deadlights? Just a thought.
Nice photo! The only thing I can suggest would be to try this again on a cloudy day. It would get rid of the shadows around her head and may liven up her eye by adding catch lights.
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{K:8859} 5/29/2003