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Dreams of a Nature Lover
2nd PlaceDreams of a Nature Lover
vawendy


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Imagination (Advanced Editing VII)
Collection: 2012 Challenge shots
Camera: Canon EOS-7D
Lens: Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
Date: May 27, 2012
Date Uploaded: May 27, 2012

[Jun. 2nd, 2012 08:05:11 PM]

Yes, the bird is real. No it's not tame.

I wanted to do something truly different, but I didn't have any ideas. So I decided to do a "still life with bird"

It takes a couple of hours to do a shoot like this. First you need to get the birds used to your props. I started out with the backdrop hung over the deck railing. Once the birds were used to that, then I had to steal my husband's bedside table. Are they used to that yet? Yup. Now add the binoculars and books. That was quicker than I thought. Now the light. Hmmmmm... they're not so crazy about that. What?? They're landing on the lamp shade?? But the top of the lampshade is out of the picture, because the deck railing doesn't go that high, so there's no background there!

ooooooh!!! Please, please don't go to the bathroom on my beautiful lamp shade! You didn't? I'm so glad!

Couple hours later, shoot is done, I have two options:



I didn't bother turning on the light, because it was extremely bright sunlight, and it wouldn't have showed up anyway.

3 days later -- Quick! Overcast morning!! Grab the table, grab the light, where's the books and the binoculars! Do we have a long extension cord? Yes? Oh good!

Please hold still when you land, birds... there really isn't very much light this morning... Thanks!

Got something I liked -- entered it.

Sunday morning. Ooooh!! An idea! Artwork interacting with bird! Daughter draws artwork. Bird lands on artwork:



Want bird to land in front of artwork, have interaction. Bird lands there once. Wait a second... it's a patio table. This doesn't work! Try a white piece of paper under artwork to create a seamless white background with cat.

Here bird! Here birdie bird!! Bird? Ummmm... hey bird... where are you bird?

All gone bird. 2 hours later. Still no bird. Took away white paper. Tried 3 hours later. No birds. Did I scare them away forever? Sad face...

At least I have the still life with bird. Entered it. But do I have any birds ever again?

Monday morning. Birds are back!! Yay birdies!

Statistics
Place: 2 out of 76
Avg (all users): 6.9573
Avg (commenters): 8.5000
Avg (participants): 6.5833
Avg (non-participants): 7.1235
Views since voting: 3755
Views during voting: 233
Votes: 117
Comments: 34
Favorites: 7 (view)

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AuthorThread
 06/12/2012 03:15:35 PM
Okay...I know I'm supposed to be looking at the bird, but I just love that LAMP! I want one! Your notes are so funny! Congrats, Wendy!

Message edited by author 2012-06-12 16:39:08.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/07/2012 11:29:57 AM
I think the bird is dreaming of building a nest in your lamp shade or pulling off pieces for a nest! A wonderful photo! Regards, Ann
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 10:16:37 PM
Congratulations! This is a really great shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 03:19:01 PM
Congratulations. Personally, I much prefer your outtake with the artwork and bird juxtaposition (and the other outtakes as well). It impresses due to the life it exudes where as your entry impresses do to the fit and finish of the craftmanship. Too bad both couldn't exist in the same picture but both are pretty good in their own right.

Message edited by author 2012-06-04 15:28:47.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 01:39:19 PM
This is just gorgeous! Congrats on the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 01:16:50 PM
Great work again Wendy love it, congrats on the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 11:55:51 AM
I was away all week and didn't get a chance to vote in this challenge but I know I would have given this a high score! Love it, beautiful, so glad you ribboned. (much better than my still life with a bird I know that for sure!!)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 11:16:30 AM
really excellent, should have been a red! n =)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 11:08:24 AM
hehe -- I liked the outtakes, too. But I was so hung up on having the light turned on!!
 06/04/2012 10:20:16 AM
My my you did it again. Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 09:50:22 AM
Lovely shot and great setup, congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 08:51:23 AM
This shows a thought process and amount of self discipline and patience that I admire. Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 08:43:54 AM
Personally, I think this should have gotten the blue. Great shot! Looks so tame, yet the story tells a different tale.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 08:39:50 AM
Adore the photo, the best part is the story. With pictures. Thank you!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 08:29:07 AM
Fantastic shot, Wendy. And, it's always fascinating to hear the tale of the hunt. Congrats on the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 08:22:01 AM
CONGRATULATIONS LOVE IT XOX
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 06:41:28 AM
Congrats ,I like the outtakes better too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 06:12:14 AM
As always, well done. Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 03:22:48 AM
Gorgeous. 7. Effort in, result out :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 03:05:31 AM
Congratulations Wendy your ability with birds knows no bounds amazing capture wd!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 02:45:37 AM
Congratulations, sweet friend! I couldn't WAIT to read your comments on this.

I knew there would be a story! LOL!

I... *mumbles under her breath* like both of the outtakes better than your entry. They're more personal.

But... still... I love this! Well done!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 02:24:09 AM
Congratulations on the yellow an inspired shot. I think you should change your user name to Snow White cos you have a way of charming the Forrest critters.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 02:11:17 AM
Spectacular, Wendy. This may be my most favorite vawendy production yet. And your narrative killed me :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 01:41:29 AM
Congratulations, Wendy. Lovely image and great work with getting it done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 01:04:29 AM
Stunnin image! Congrats on your ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 12:31:21 AM
This is lovely. And I enjoyed reading about your adventures in getting this shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 12:10:24 AM
Congrats! Another one to your collection!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 12:09:39 AM
Nicely done, Wendy :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
06/02/2012 06:46:29 PM
Wonderful still life. I believe all traditional still life needs a lot of imagination.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/02/2012 09:31:04 AM
Gorgeous still life... the lighting and tones are superb, but the bird!!! Wow.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 03:13:23 AM
What a beautiful still like - with life.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/31/2012 02:22:18 PM
not sure how you did this without multiple captures but it is a great picture. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/29/2012 08:40:37 PM
Impeccable lighting!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2012 04:42:47 PM
Wonderful still life with living subject. (unless that is a stuffed bird!!)
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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