Eastern Bluebird Update

[Mike Bons]

Just as an update to my previous Bluebird thread, I thought I would give a bit of an update. The first brood (6) successfully fledged and gave my countless photo ops, some of when can be seen below. The second brood (5) has successfully fledged as well, although it will still be a couple of days until they come out from the trees.

Here is a collection of some of my favorite Eastern Bluebrd images as of late.

1.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s3/v44/p1249112096-5.jpg

2.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s4/v9/p1249026403-5.jpg

3.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v153/p1253883905-5.jpg

4.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s4/v64/p1253897319-5.jpg

5.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s10/v99/p1260181070-5.jpg

6.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s6/v151/p1285606609-5.jpg

7.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s3/v41/p1285630035-5.jpg

8.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s8/v80/p1285601693-5.jpg

[Mike Bons]

9.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s8/v85/p1299363179-5.jpg

10.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s5/v129/p1316215822-5.jpg

11.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s1/v5/p1260185915-5.jpg

12.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s7/v167/p1253960237-5.jpg

13.
http://www.mikebons.com/img/s5/v118/p1316214377-5.jpg

[Runmonty]

freaking awesome Mike.

Don't ask me to pick a favourite. All are really exceptional.

I didn't think you could "up the bar" , but you have imo. Extraordinary.

[Marko]

RM says it well - Superb on multiple levels - Every shot is super strong and quite a few hit them out of the park. Your patience and dedication have paid off in a gorgeous way.
I really like the 'suspended' feel of some shots (9,10,13) - my only comment on those shots is that some of the edges and the corners could be burned in 5-15% to give the eye a bit more 'frame'. Give it a go if you have a few minutes and let me know if you agree - Shot 9 is my fave of those three shots. So dreamy feeling.

Well done again Mike!

[Mike Bons]

Thanks Marko and RM! Marko, I remember trying to put a little vignette on a couple of those images when I was originally processing them but I didn't like it. I think the difference is that when I am usually processing them its in LR which will have a black background where as the forum's BG is white which I think makes a big difference with those pics. I appreciate the feedback though. A number of those images were also shot with the 135mm F/2 lens +/- 1.4x TC. My point being is that you don't necessarily need a long lens to shoot these. Shooting them with a 400mm or a 135mm doesn't really matter so much in the final product, but the experience of shooting them is different. With the 135L I am often lens that 6ft away from them, which is just pretty cool to get that close.

[Hillbillygirl]

Pure perfection in all of these Mike. Love the lighting, and exquisite detail, along with the superb creamy background.