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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 137 - Negative Space >> Challenge 137 - Eligible > 9 - Lonely Swan
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06-JUL-2007 Mary Anne

9 - Lonely Swan

This swan's mate disappeared a few years ago, many believe killed by a fox. Since swans mate for life, this one swims alone among the ducks and geese at a local park.

Canon EOS 350D ,Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6
1/4000s f/8.0 at 210.0mm iso800 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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ctfchallenge14-Jul-2007 22:59
Thank you for your kind remarks, people. There is dark foliage in the background from the trees (in shadow) overhanging the pond. I actually shot this through the branches of a tree on the other side of the pond, waiting for the swan to swim into this spot of bright morning sunlight. I chose not to clone out the faint traces of leaves for fear I would I would destroy the lines of the swan. However, if I have time this weekend, I may give it a try. I'm always open to suggestions.
--Mary Anne
ctfchallenge14-Jul-2007 03:53
This is simply breathtaking. I am seeing telltale of background foilage that I wish wasn't there. I think for this photo, I would have simply cloned that background out and focused on the lovely reflection against a black backdrop. At least for a print that is what I would do; otherwise it would be distracting. Gosh Mary Anne - it is a keeper!!! Wonderfully done. jano
Maurice Allain11-Jul-2007 15:50
Magical Light in this one Mary Anne, the negative space is symmetrical too! Good capture!
jbhgmvo11-Jul-2007 14:40
Lonely perhaps, but lovely indeed. Beautiful classic motif, reflection and all. Still dreaming of a shot like this.
-k2
ctfchallenge09-Jul-2007 02:20
Godd stuff indeed Mary Anne. Good stuff. -COAmature
ctfchallenge08-Jul-2007 05:51
Beautiful shot Mary Anne, I love it! and great negative space use. Yvonne
Julie Bird08-Jul-2007 03:58
Such a sad story of lone-ness, but a beautiful image, Mary Anne
Rod 08-Jul-2007 00:42
Yes this does look good.
ctfchallenge07-Jul-2007 15:12
Excellent exposure and use of negative space. Mikey already said the rest. -tv
ctfchallenge07-Jul-2007 14:57
Great shot, Mary Anne! XLNT look to it. I think I would have tried for a bit more 'negative space' in front of the swan to make the balance lean toward her direction of travel, tho. All the same, beautiful. Cheers, -mikey
ctfchallenge07-Jul-2007 14:30
Just lovely Mary Anne, with great lighting and reflection! CJ
ctfchallenge07-Jul-2007 13:10
Thanks, all. That special morning light is what does it. I'll have to drag myself out of bed earlier more often.
--Mary Anne
elips07-Jul-2007 03:34
Lovely, Mary Anne! Beautifully processed and great light! ~Sharon
aam1234 07-Jul-2007 03:27
After catching my breath...

This is an award winning photo right there. Impressive photo, Mary Anne.
aam1234 07-Jul-2007 03:25
WAW
Guest 07-Jul-2007 02:59
Beautiful shot Mary Anne! Great use of negative space too!