Sunday, August 17, 2008

RAMSEY HARBOUR ,COURTING SWANS, CRITTER SUNDAY

A couple of weeks ago I posted the black and white version of this image. Blue and purple light on the monochrome image are quite pronounced as a stream of white light. This is the image as shot. For the monochrome I simply used photoshop "desaturate" to strip the colours from the image. Again it's just been re sized for the blog. You will notice I shoot a lot over, near, by or onto water. It's because it's so reflective and can really enhance tones and hues. The colours are reflections from the harbour boatyard. Also shooting towards the sun helped to elongate the magenta light onto the gravel.

These two swans were again a fortuitous shot. I had been snapping away at one of the elusive cormorants. It just wasn't happening. Cormorants are shorebirds with dark feathers, almost black, but on closer inspection you see green, blue and purple when the light hits. Very poor light and basically the wrong lens for the distance meant time call it a day. I Always take the opportunity to take a few spontaneous shots on these days. I had noted the swans were about to pass near to the better light, the reflection, and as they are white knew they would make up for the cormorant. The magenta light onto the gravel I like purely as it's unbalanced for the shot. Again I could of cropped just for the swans, but personally I'm just a sucker for purple.


As some people really don't get my humour I have gone for a very straightforward post with a smattering of photography tips, without the patronising tone of you could never take this shot. On the contrary. It demonstrates that there are some days when you just can't get the shot you want, but if you improvise, know one will ever know. Well not unless you're me and you shoot and tell.

For more camera critters see MISTY DAWN Camera critters.

48 comments:

Rambling Woods said...

Well..it's your blog and if people don't get it, I would say it's a problem for them, it shouldn't be a problem for you. Interesting shot and I always get ideas even if I don't understand the terminology. Yet...Happy weekend...

Kahshe Cottager said...

It is a lovely shot and full of ideas for me!

Have a wonderful weekend!
My Camera Critters Here and Here

D... said...

What a romantic shot! Quite lovely!

I played too.

Anonymous said...

If I could shadow you for a day I could present my wife with a gift like this photograph. Valentine Card!
Any chance of one?

Carletta said...

You captured such a romantic moment. I love the colors.
I was born on Valentine's Day so I'm liking Brad's idea!

Beautiful photo!

i beati said...

This belongs on a calendar cover- one of those shots when everything is in sync - outstanding sandy

Louis la Vache said...

WOW! Fantastic shot, Babooshka! Their necks forming a heart just like on a romantic greeting card! "Louis" is going to e-mail the link to this to Mme. la Vache who is very fond of birds.

(Editor to "Louis:" She must be fond of birds. She certainly married a bird-brain when she married you!

"Louis" to Editor: Better a bird-brain than a merde de poulet like you!)

Virginia said...

Louis, my French is limited but I got that one. LOL!!!!

Babooshka,
Bring back the humor darlin'. That's why we all love your blog. I especially love it when you get on a tear.
I am a threat to get on one too from time to time. As far as i can tell, I have free reign to pick and choose the blogs I visit. Those of us that choose your blog do so because of your outstanding photography and your delightful spirit! THrow in a little of your expertise to help us strugglers get better.
V

bcmomtoo said...

I like the colors. Thanks for sharing photography tips. I might even figure out how to use them one of these days.

ratmammy said...

this is a very very beautiful photograph! i wish i had your skills!

ayamlin said...

Hello babooshka!
How beautiful these swans are!
They look like ballet dancers!

rc said...

beautiful picture!!!

you really captured the moment... and those colors make it stand out

Ming the Merciless said...

What an amazing photo!?!?! It looked almost like the toppings on wedding cakes where the two swans meet together to form a heart shape.

The colors of the water are amazing too. Good job!

Kyanite said...

The blue & purple on the water is terrifc, really sets the swans out.

I'd just ignore those who don't get you!

Blue

Lilli & Nevada said...

What a cute couple. They look like there dancing cheek to cheek.
I agree ignore those kind of people

Janet said...

Such elegant creatures!

MumbaiiteAnu said...

It's a beautiful and romantic picture. The swans look lovely in the colored light.
Thanks for the photography tips. They are a treasure for amateurs like me.


Weekend Breakfast Special

Colorful Raksha Bandhan Festival

Anonymous said...

Classic swan picture - decent of them to oblige.

Rayne said...

Very well done, even if it wasn't the shot you wanted. The colors lend a mystical quality to it.

Anonymous said...

Perfect!

Jilly said...

What a moment you captured here! Just perfect. And I so love the light in the photograph. Beautiful.

Eki said...

It's lovely, Babooshka! Swans courting - to me - is a quintessential symbol of romance ... :)

ANd thanks for the tids and bits of photography. They are useful.

Gattina said...

Beautiful picture ! it looks like a painting !

Dragonstar said...

The swans are gorgeous. I love the way you arranged the colours, it makes for a different shot. Thanks for the advice, I'm always happy to scrounge tips from the experts!

Anonymous said...

A beautiful image of love. Well done

Anonymous said...

That is very lovely photograph well taken. I hope you have had a great weekend

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Babooshka: As I always say, 'seize the moment' wether planned or by accident. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Roan said...

I love the color, too. The shot is just plain amazing, but then amazing is what I always see when I pop in for a visit. I love your humor, and your tips. BJ

EG CameraGirl said...

This is a beautiful shot. Not only is it composed well but it evokes powerful feelings of LOVE. Very nice.

And if you hadn't confessed all. I would have thought you were a great photographer. (OOPS! That was my shot at humour. Not everyone like mine either. Hope I didn't offend you...I was trying to make you laugh.)

You ARE a gifted photographer. And that's a fact.

Anonymous said...

Passing swans like ships in the night. Sweet.

kjpweb said...

Very poetic! Love the colors!
Cheers, Klaus

Maude Lynn said...

I love the purple!

Anonymous said...

A symbol of love. Very pretty.

Webradio said...

Très joli lac des cygnes !

Gretchen said...

Very pretty photo. :)

DrowseyMonkey-Photos said...

So pretty! They are such beautiful birds ... and looking very romantic here.

Anonymous said...

Such grace - so glad you were able to capture the moment. Beautiful photo!

Misty DawnS said...

I happen to love your blog and your photos. And, the fact that you're a sucker for purple - makes you even more cool in my book ;-) (I can NEVER get enough purple hehe)

Love the swans - they're gorgeous and I never get to see there here.

Anonymous said...

This is the coolest photo I have ever seen!

Greyhound Girl said...

I love your tips- they rally help me! And I love this picture- it looks like a postcard!

Anonymous said...

Great shot.

Anonymous said...

Great shot.

AppleDebbie said...

Beautiful photo!

Heart of Rachel said...

You've captured a lovely moment. It's wonderful to see how dedicated swans are to their partners.

Kelly said...

I think that this is a beautiful photo!!! These swans are so gorgeous....Well done!!!

Cathy said...

This is my first time visiting your blog, but it certainly won't be my last. Lovely photo!

Jerez Sherry said...

I love your swan shot, I enjoy swans myself, such beauty.
You mentioned lack of pollution in my area, but Seattle area does have pollution, those photos are way up at Mt Baker, looks pristine, but I guess pollution travels everywhere.

Hope you have a fine week!

Georgina said...

Hi, I arrived via POTD. Lovely shot, so elegant and beautiful colours. Debs x

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