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Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Flowers (Advanced Editing IV)
Collection: Favorites - Ribbons
Camera: Canon EOS-20D
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS
Location: Easton, CT
Date: Jun 30, 2006
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 1600
Shutter: 1/160
Galleries: Nature, Floral
Date Uploaded: Jul 2, 2006

 I had NO intention of entering a flower challenge! None. I wasn't even going to think up ideas. But a funny thing happened as I was leaving for vacation...

I noticed this Eastern Bluebird perched on a lamp post by my back porch. He'd fly off for a few seconds to different places, but always came back to the lamp. I took some shots through the window so I wouldn't scare him off- until my kids went charging out the back door and... nothing! Even with rowdy kids on the porch nearby, he'd fly right back to the lamp. Hmm... how can I get this brave little guy into a challenge?

I dug out the same silk flower that I used in the Something New III challenge and tied it to the lamp (hey, the challenge didn't say anything about requiring REAL flowers). Sure enough, within a few minutes he was perched on the flower. Better still, he didn't seem to mind the photographer standing 8 feet away! It was getting late, so I had to shoot at ISO 800-1600, but I fired off hundreds of frames. I liked this one for the challenge because he's focused on the flower (not by chance, of course... I hid a peanut in the petals).

Processing: Converted from RAW, Neat Image, levels, HSL, USM, curves, more Neat Image, Channel Mixer, dodging and burning, a little colorizing on the bird for a cleaner blue, desaturated a greenish cast on the flower petals, cloned out some rough edges on the petals. Yeah, pretty much the opposite of Straight from the Camera! ;-)

Statistics
Place: 2 out of 375
Avg (all users): 7.2441
Avg (commenters): 8.6579
Avg (participants): 7.2067
Avg (non-participants): 7.3333
Views since voting: 17918
Views during voting: 401
Votes: 213
Comments: 104
Favorites: 34 (view)

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AuthorThread
 06/21/2010 09:58:44 PM
It's a great picture!

ETA: Removed some uncalled for content. I apologize Shannon.

Message edited by author 2010-06-22 19:05:11.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2007 07:30:00 AM
What a beautiful photo. The expression on the bird's face is wonderful, he seems to be wondering how the flower grew a peanut!
Love it, thank for sharing it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/16/2006 07:28:35 AM
Beautiful shot! Love it..congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/14/2006 10:02:44 AM
Congrats great photo love it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/13/2006 08:06:54 AM
Nice to see a good idea pays off! Good shot, and you can actually see the peanut!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/13/2006 06:07:05 AM
Great capture and love your title. I didn't pick up on this being a silk flower...pretty clever. Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/12/2006 10:07:25 AM
This made me smile!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 03:14:38 PM
Very well deserved :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 02:20:16 PM
Congratulations, Shannon :)
Always enjoy reading about the story behing the photo. You are one very clever guy.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 02:19:42 PM
congrats shannon! This IS a good one!! Are you always in the right place at the right time?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 12:24:26 PM
Wonderful shot! I can't stop looking at it. Well Done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 11:38:22 AM
A wonderful image great detail in both and so lucky to find this when needed
Congrats on your Ribbon
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 06:16:38 AM
I like how you bring your set up the scene type creativity to the random world of flowers and birds.

(incidentally...is that bird registerd with the easton aviary society registry- you know, they don't want to encourage transients in Easton)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 05:46:54 AM
Congratulations on this marvelous shot and of course on your ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 05:04:55 AM
Great shot. Congrats on your ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2006 04:19:45 AM
Lol, such a funny story! It was well worth the scrambling to find a way to fit him into a challenge. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 07:01:58 PM
thanks for the details and your insight to this foto. Great work
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 06:18:35 PM
Fantastic photo, fantastic idea and shows your perseverance!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 06:14:42 PM
Amazing Shannon. Not a set-up shot this time but you still rocks! I am in awe with how your mind works. The photographic skill is a given.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 02:11:34 PM
This is a great photo on nearly all levels, and it is a perfect example of when manipulation of a scene before and after capture is appropriate. The best thing about this photo, and its accompanying story, is that it is a fantastic example of seeing an image in your mind and then working overtime to capture it in your camera.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 01:35:39 PM
Fooled me with that silk flower - guess I was so 'taken' with the capture (set-up or not), that despite wanting more detail in the flower (and I now know why there isn't), I obviously didn't 'inspect' it very well. Creative, as usual. Nice use of a peanut. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 12:35:11 PM
oh dear..a silk flower ribbons! DNMC (just kidding of course!)
great moment/great shot..love the description...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 11:21:33 AM
It took a good one to pip this at the post,
Well shot and congrats Shannon,

Paul.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 11:16:10 AM
NICE !!!

the bluebirds around here are very flighty. it's an honor and rare to have them nest nearby. congrats !
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 09:16:21 AM
fantastic photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 06:56:26 AM
OOH! OOH! I see the Peanut!!!!

Ok, sorry, that's truly not the best thing about this photo. Love the color comp! couldn't resist giving meself a weee pat on the back. ;op
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 06:04:29 AM
Congratulations on your Ribbon Shannon! Amazing in capture AND Creativity!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 05:38:59 AM
Congrats on this Shannon - I thoroughly enjoyed the story that went along with this terrific image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 05:12:02 AM
I didn't get a chance to vote in this challenge, but this shot is amazing! Congrats on another ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 04:28:50 AM
Congrats on your ribbon, great shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 04:18:30 AM
Shannon's kids: "Dad, can we go already? We've been waiting in the car for 2 hours now and it's hot."

Shannon: "Hang on kids, just a couple more. I smell another ribbon here!"

Shannon's kids: "That smell is the dog, Dad. He just pooped on your suitcase."

Great shot Shannon, congratulations on yet another ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 03:51:14 AM
Congratulations on another ribbon Shannon! And very clever, as usual.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 03:45:53 AM
good thinkin', Shannon ... impressive shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 02:32:03 AM
Ooh the expression on his face is so pensive. A very good shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/10/2006 01:30:57 AM
Haha, glad to see I wasn´t the only one using fake flowers for the challenge, nice job :) Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 11:44:19 PM
We were deceived!!
Just kidding Shannon, congrats on the
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 11:10:54 PM
I love your story about how you got the shot Shannon...how amazing! And, you used a fake flower...did anyone else notice that?! Excellent shot my friend and well earned ribbon, I gave ths a 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 10:29:14 PM
Wonderful image, Congrats! Love the wonderful color.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 10:04:24 PM
Congrats! awsome photo and very deserving of the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 09:48:47 PM
well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 09:25:25 PM
AMAZING! Love the story to!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 09:09:40 PM
I loved this the moment I saw it! Great job! I wish this could have been a tie for blue!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:58:21 PM
Well seen and capture! Very nicely done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:43:31 PM
Love the story, love the image. Congratulations on your red ribbon and on your perseverance ;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:39:51 PM
Congratulations on your ribbon and a fabulous shot! Love the story of how you got the shot :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:35:57 PM
Fantastic photo!!! (did I say that already?) :) Congrats on your 2nd place!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:30:27 PM
Some guys have all the luck! ...and patience. :) Nice job, Shannon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:28:46 PM
I am so glad this one ribboned. I had a feeling it would! Congratulations!!!! This is a one in a million capture!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:27:41 PM
That's a huge colorful bug you have on that flower. :P

Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:24:28 PM
Great job,, Shannon. A lovely image and well deserved ribbon. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:24:19 PM
Hahaha...now that is a clever use for a peanut!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:22:27 PM
ahhhhh!I see the peanut!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:22:03 PM
Do you ever get tired of winning? :) Another super shot... just excellent!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:20:35 PM
Nice to see you up on top again Shannon. Been a while...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:19:09 PM
Beady-eyed look of concentration! Great capture. The bird's very much the center of attention here, of course, but the voters like it :-) Congrats on ribbon. Very fine shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:18:51 PM
Awesome Shannon! Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:18:10 PM
Congratulations, Shannon! I really like this shot. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:18:03 PM
Yet another piece of art provided to the masses by the Master. Well done my friend... this garnered a well deserved 10 from me.

Ray
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:17:54 PM
Yay Shannon! Great shot and perfect timing on this one!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:16:47 PM
shoulda known the bird shot was scalvert
congrats...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:16:25 PM
Congratulations on the red! Coming in 2nd only to ursula is quite an accomplishment in this challenge.

Message edited by author 2006-07-10 00:16:48.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:15:13 PM
Congratulations, a fantastic shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 08:14:30 PM
Wow - what a shot! Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
07/09/2006 07:46:45 PM
This is absolutely beautiful. What a shot! Nothing less than a 10 from me!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 07:20:01 PM
is that a REAL bird?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/09/2006 06:24:04 PM
one of my favorites this challenge -- what a great capture, strong compositional elements all work together
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/08/2006 09:40:57 PM
My choice for a sure ribbon winner. Great shot. Good luck!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/08/2006 07:18:16 PM
Great shot! Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/08/2006 03:45:49 PM
my ABSOLUTE favorite of entire challenge...I do wish I could take shots like that...what a co-operative bird :-) good luck ! 10+
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/08/2006 09:43:42 AM
Ah, finally an inspector that's not a bug! Very pretty bird, you were lucky to find this. 9 from me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/08/2006 12:47:24 AM
This pair looks great together and they really pop in front of the lovely soft green.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/07/2006 05:17:14 PM
very nice capture, i like the composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/07/2006 09:24:28 AM
How darling is that! Love the color of the bird. I have only seen one of them in the wild myself. Great capture on the flower to. Just wonderful. A 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/06/2006 09:32:20 AM
Great shot! Perfect DOF!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/06/2006 05:40:31 AM
OK... so this is a ribbon IMO. whether its an amazing capture or amazingly creative it is a perfect entry. Congratulations! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/06/2006 02:49:40 AM
This Belongs on the front of a greeting card, beautiful shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/05/2006 07:43:40 PM
What a beautiful setup! I don't see anything wrong with this image :) 10 from me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/05/2006 04:52:59 PM
Precious. The bird takes a bit of attention away from the flower. After all, it IS a "flowers" challenge. Regardless, amazing capture. 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/05/2006 04:32:53 PM
What a shot... 10 from me, perfect :o)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/05/2006 11:58:06 AM
A bit too grainy. Regardless, great photo. Colors are really nice. Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/05/2006 03:06:55 AM
excellent capture. Perfect dof, great colors. I don't see a thing wrong with this photo!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/05/2006 01:35:48 AM
Great shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/04/2006 10:19:22 PM
I'm not familiar with the bird species, so I wonder where it's from. SA?
Anyway, one of the best photos I've seen so far as I slowly trawl (not troll) through the pickings. ;>)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/04/2006 04:48:57 PM
9 - Wow, nice capture. Will be back PC to see if this was staged. Nice and simple - just like to have seen a little more detail in the flower especially, and perhaps the bird & background colors 'lifted' - but likely near impossible with the resulting contrast issues with the white flower. Good title. Also, depending what you had to work with, perhaps a tighter crop at the bottom and more space included above the bird - but who knows, works very well as is.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/04/2006 02:50:42 PM
This is quite nice. The contrast of colors between the bluebird, the flower, and the background works really well.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/04/2006 07:33:08 AM
Back to bump. This is an incredible capture. Very nicely done. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/04/2006 04:31:03 AM
Beautiful capture! I've never seen a bluebird before, let alone one on a flower. Excellent composition although there seems to be some noise in the photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/04/2006 01:34:18 AM
Very pretty arrangement with great details.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 06:54:34 PM
This is definitely a WOW image. Lovely detail and clarity. Congrats on this one, a top finisher IMO! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 06:42:08 PM
Hard to pick what the bird is standing on, the flowwer would be drooped if the flower, image is well photographed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 05:30:19 PM
perfect title. great shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 02:04:25 PM
Marvelous colors and composition, just beautiful. I hope you'll ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 12:31:12 PM
Great shot.... please fill in the blanks for us, I really like this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 10:42:57 AM
Nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 08:15:03 AM
This is beautiful. My only gripe, is that it looks a bit over-sharpened.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/03/2006 08:12:28 AM
Composite?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 10:51:40 PM
Great Capture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 10:00:38 PM
Good Job! Nice use of light and color. A nice change of pace from looking at all these flowers!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 09:57:54 PM
now you're just showing off.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 09:13:25 PM
Oh my! If this isn't the blue ribbon winner something is terribly wrong! This takes my breath away! I wish I could give it a 20! It is beyond perfect. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 08:47:04 PM
great title and capture...very cooperative model! this should do well for you, good luck...can't fault it 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 08:45:35 PM
wow, great capture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 08:21:17 PM
Absolutely Gorgeous. Blue for sure! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/02/2006 08:13:46 PM
ahhh wow! :o) SOOOO GREAT!!! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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