Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

love them both...

(Download)

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

Tried to find some flaws, just because you are so good Thomas. But...
I couldn't. No where, I looked, I blew it up and looked, and looked. Perfect job Thomas. You positioned her looking right at the bird perfectly. Skin excellent, focus excellent.
Excellent job!
Jim

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for your kind words Jim-Pops... they are appreciated...
This image was truly a labor of love... both are near and dear to me...

quizas Loc: Seattle, WA

Amazing shot!! Just stunning!

Toby

Very, very good

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

quizas and Toby thank you both for your thought reflections on this image...
I truly appreciate you taking the time to reply and the kind words... they are appreciated...

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

Absolutely gorgeous!

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for taking the time to review and reflect AZNikon and raymondh greatly appreciate the kind words...

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Hi Thomas. I have been gone for a while so getting in late, but always appreciate your work. As always this image of your two friends is fantastic. Was it shot against a black background or did you convert to a black background? I ask, because I can imagine that if the background was an outdoor setting perhaps with clouds or a golden hour aura, the image would have so much impact and accentuate the resonance of this interaction.

* note: your ability to communicate using descriptive terms is beyond reproach so I made some extra effort in that area (hard for me) :)

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Depth of field requirements predicated f/11 or greater...
HSS was used to freeze motion of flight which necessited over 1/1000 second...
Do the math... this would have likely predicated an ISO of well over 800 even in bright sunlight to bring out ambient...
Nope this was shot in very dim fading light at dusk...
If I can't shoot at or near basement ISO then I light to get there...
Jay I endeavor to keep in real and work within the limits of my kit...

btw, you have no idea of how many countless failures preceded this capture...
This image was over two years in the making... enough said.

On communication? When one has to effectively communicate with the many creatives on a fashion and/or beauty shoot you have to communicate in their dialect, vernacular etc... If you ignore this while attempting to direct then you will likely have little if any respect from the gifted creative team members (who are far more important than the photographer) required to lift the mundane over the top to the next level... best advice? assist other commercial shooters in your marketplace... this has been my path and I've grown tremendously from the aforesaid...

I wish you well on your journey Jay...

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Thanks for taking me through that process. Photography is really problem solving isn't it? That is what makes it so intriguing. Don't get me wrong, I very much admire your ability to use flowing and descriptive communication. My abilities fall short in that area. I was just poking you a little to see if I could bring out a less serious side.

So, philosophically are you opposed to transposing that image onto an outdoor setting shot with different settings to reflect where it was taken? That is what I was thinking of. Disclaimer: Not giving advise or asking for advise. Just sharing thoughts.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

2 Years? I bet that little hummingbird was exhausted! (LOL) I have a severely autistic grandson, and I've been working almost 2 years to try to get a good family photo with everyone and no digital trickery involved. The reason, is because I have a perfect place for a 40x60 family photo in my new house. I designed the house from the ground up, and specifically thought of where to hang what in that process. I have a few good ones of him, and everyone is always working so hard and looking at him, that when he does cooperate, the rest of the photo is bad. I have done composites for other people, but the issue is, that I will know it's a composite, and I'll always focus on the flaws, or trying to find the flaws in the composite.

I say that, but honestly, when looking at your image, I did the same thing, I downloaded, zoomed and looked around, and it is just perfection. I've had many that people were pleased with, but even then, I would just consider them "good enough" not this amazing.

I'm beginning to think that maybe I need to go back and start revisiting the countless photos of my family, and try to composite Bobby into a good one of everyone else... now that I see it can be done to such an amazing degree.