The Guira Cuckoo

[gahspidy]

I have not posted an image in quite sometime, but here is something I have been up to as of late. A series of bird photographs given the look of viewing through an old viewfinder, complete with dust and scratches.
What are your thoughts. . .

[draymorton]

Fantastic shot, Gary. Love the effect.

[Frog]

And despite the dust and scratches the bird is sharp and clear.
I like it.

[Didache]

Gary

"Bird on a stick" photos almost always need something different about them, to make them rise above the crowd. I think you have pulled this off extremely creatively. Judging by the sharpness of the eye and plumage it would have made a more than decent shot anyway, but your treatment of it adds a whole new dimension of interest. It would make a super series and I hope you will post further examples.

Cheers
Mike

[LeeIs]

Gary,

man this is stunning. from the colour rendition, presentation, sharpness of the feathers, composition etc. every thing just works wonderfully. AMAZING!!!!!

[Overbeyond]

A breath of fresh air as far as bird shots are concerned. very unusual indeed. The early days of colour. I do feel it is a pity that this bird would have to have such a large tail; I just find the tail without any detail catching my eye.This is not a criticism but an observation. But having the face and breast so pin sharp, it is a joy to look at.

[draymorton]

I can't wait to see the others in this series!

[Tuna]

The old-image-found-in-a-drawer look is very effectively rendered. I couldn't help but to just soak it all in for a length of time. The selective focus, muted colors and square composition all come together for a very satisfying and pleasing image.

Tuna

[chaman]

Awesome! Now if it possible...how you achieve this effect??

[gahspidy]

Thank you all for your comments.
Tom, I know what you mean about the tail. The narrow DOF loses the sharpness in the tail, but it gave me other things that I wanted. It's always a give and take.

Dray, I have only about six or seven so far and much I have posted on my blog if you would like to see. Thanks for you time.

Chaman, the frame effect was had by OnOne software "Photoframe Pro" As for the basics, I spent hours at the Bird house in the Bronx Zoo waiting for the ideal moment and the bird to fly on a spot where there was nothing distracting near or behind it. It also had to be a spot where light was hitting it properly and shining on the eye as well. (Frustrating. . . ) Also, the help of my Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS lens was a big factor in getting tight and sharp on this bird.