I have a small point and shoot camera. It’s a nice camera but the one I am least likely to have with me. I almost always have my iPhone with me, and when I know I am going to be taking photos, I usually choose my Canon 50D over the Canon Powershot that is in the point and shoot range of cameras. A few weeks ago, I decided to make an effort to carry around the point and shoot more which is why I had it on a visit to the lake where I took this picture:
ISO 100 19mm f/5.6 1/200sec
I visit this lake a lot. As a result, those swans are seen frequently here on my blog and also my Instagram feed:
If you are a regular reader of this blog and are wondering about these swans, yes, this is the pair that had four cygnets this Spring. Unfortunately, all of them have now gone missing. It’s sad, as they would have been too young to make it on their own.
This particular morning, in addition to having my least used camera, I was also thinking about a way to photograph the swans a bit differently. The file above is what I came up with and this was the final edit:
ISO 100 19mm f/5.6 1/200sec
For the photo itself, I focused on the vegetation on the shore, which softens the focus of the birds on the lake. The thought I had in framing this shot was to have the plant seem to be pointing to the birds and leading your eye into the frame. The crop was to decrease the amount of vegetation on the far bank. I’ve also decreased the highlights, sharpened the photo, and added a vignette to darken the edges.
It’s a different photo for me, I tend to like everything in focus. What do you think of this interpretation of the swans? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Cheers!
Photography Journal Blog 
I like it! It gives another perspective. It makes me curious as to want to get closer.
But I’m sad that they are missing now.
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Thank you, it was fun to try. It is too bad that the young ones are gone.
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I like the interpretation and the idea behind it. I would prefer to see the swans with a bit more shape. Definitely an idea to work on.
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I was thinking that it the swans had a bit more of their outline visible it would be a stronger image.
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I like it. It’s good to try different things.
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Thanks, it’s a bit different for me, so that is something anyway.
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I love your experiments, Amy. I think they are so helpful for other photographers. And thanks too for joining the “Soft” challenge. 🙂
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Thank you very much 🙂
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What a shame about the cygnets! They look so vulnerable in your lovely shot. I’m not sure about the lack of focus, though I can see why you did it. It’s good to experiment, though, isn’t it? 🙂 🙂
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Yes, I do think it is a good idea to try something different. I think in this case, the swans are maybe too out of focus but I would definitely give this another try at some point.
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I like the shot Amy – very different for you indeed! You’re right – the plant does point directly to the swans (very sad about the cygnets). Personally I think I would have liked the shot at f/18 or f/22 so that both the plant and the swans would be in focus but your approach is an interesting one that gives an entirely different flavor to the scene. Since you’ve shot them many times it’s nice to try something unique. Good job!
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Thanks Tina; and yes, if I was going to give this another try, I would probably start with changing the f-stop.
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I like the final edit. Feels soft and there’s a dreamy look about it. Maybe the swans found another home.
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Thank you 🙂 It’s possible they did they, but probably not likely they were a bit young.
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Maybe one day they will reappear 🙂 Maybe more birds will be visiting you soon 🙂
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So, I was having a conversation about these birds the other day, and the person I was talking too pointed out that our three lakes probably have the max number of swans they can handle. It was really hard for me to accept that as probably a true statement. I tend to hope, like you, that they will just reappear some day.
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Maximum number of swans for the lakes…interesting to know. Sounds like a very popular place for the wildlife.
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It is a popular place, but on the small side, and swans can be a bit territorial particularly if there is going to be competition for food.
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Sorry, not a fan. Vegetation pointing to swans hold little interest for me. Swans in center not very recognizable. Back third holds more promise. Ehh.
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Thanks for your honest response.
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I think it is fun to experiment on what to focus on. sometimes a wonderful surprise to see the hidden gems in the photo.
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I agree 🙂
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