A flock of birds

This image appears to be an in camera blur with at least one texture layer added. I love it! Depending on the composition, a flock fly up can come off as noisy chaos and difficult to view for very long. Sometimes when I'm in the field with birds flying up I want to capture that energy and chaos but somehow make it feel graceful and easy to view as well. That's easier said than done. This photographer through creative use of camera and post processing came up with a piece of art that I would describe as graceful chaos. Painterly, whimsical and unique, this is a pleasure to view. Definitely a keeper!

I was immediately drawn to this image. I enjoy seeing a tightly formed flock encompass the whole frame but at the same time I delight in having a glimpse of the background to tell me more of the story. The depth of field here creates an abstract, mysterious and magical feel for me. The tree branches coupled with a black and white with red accent color theme gives the image an Asian feel that I find very appealing. I think it calms the energy and lends a serene feel to what otherwise come across as noisy chaos. Red-winged blackbirds make for a stunning subject and this backdrop really adds to their inherent drama. I could look at this photograph for hours! So, so lovely.

Ahhh, this image is such a pleasure to behold. I like to call this type of image a "birdscape". To begin with, the color scheme is a calming and serene one that allows me to just feel a sense of peace as I look at it. The patterns in the sand and water are composed so well. My eye is drawn in and I enjoy moving up and down and back and forth with the design as I take in the lovely detail of the Snow Geese. Reflections in the water in the foreground add wonderful additional depth. Beautiful!

There are so many things that I love about this image! When I first looked at the photograph my eye automatically started at the bottom right hand side where the large bird is. I was then visually drawn into scanning the whole flock fly-up. I noticed how sharp all of the birds were and what a pleasing form the group had taken on even in all of its chaos. I felt the energy of the bird's flight and was enjoying each little detail. And then, boom! Suddenly, I discovered the hidden treasure. That, of course, is the little girl flushing the flock as she runs into the water. I was honestly surprised and tickled. I had not initially noticed the little human as she had blended into the fly-up so well. In my view, when an image can evoke such an unexpected pleasure it certainly has to be special! Lastly, the high key post processing works very well as it lends a fresh crispness to the already tack sharp terns. Additionally, for me, it adds to the sense that it was a bright and happy day at the beach that the little girl was thoroughly enjoying. I bought the whole story and it put a smile on my face. Well done!