Ravens

[casil403]

Just spent 4 days in the Rockies on a photo tour with Darwin Wiggett. On day 2 he had us do an assignment at the Columbia Icefields...switch the camera to monochrome and shoot only monochrome images.
We had to submit our best 3 for critique later in the evening and this was one of my faves.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8462501387_ae11dcacaa_b.jpg

If you've not done one of his tours, I could not recommend it higly enough...it was awesome!!

[Iguanasan]

I can see why it's your favourite... it's a wonderful image!

[casil403]

Thanks Iggy... :)

[Runmonty]

You have captured really nice detail there in the blacks. Nice job on a tough shot

[casil403]

Thanks RM - It was a fun assignment!

[Marko]

Love it Casil - well done!

So, overall how was the workshop? Did the weather get to you?

[casil403]

Thanks Marko... :)
The workshop was pretty intensive photo wise. Out 12 hours - basically sunrise to sunset, covering about 4 spots per day. After day 3 it was pretty hard to be creative. Some hiking with gear to a few waterfalls but not strenuous hikes by any stretch. The weather was mild -4C in the mornings with some good winds on the lake. Only yesterday did it get down to -15 in the morning but no wind and dressed in layers and good boots I was fine. The camera lens was a little icy though so I had to take a break.
The hospitality at Aurum Lodge was second to none and the food was so good and filling and home cooked,.
I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a good photo tour. and I can see why they fill up so quickly.
DW is a pretty cool and knowledgeable guide...gave me a great compliment on my images and style of work as we were leaving which kind of blew me away.

[Marko]

so glad you had a great time Casil!

[Bambi]

sounds like you had a fabulous time. I'm not surprised that he complimented you on your images. :) I've been doing that for years. ;)

I'd love to hear more about it.

[Matt K.]

Nice pair, for sure. You handled exposure very well, Casil, tough to do with black and white. Love the way the eyes pop.

[casil403]

Thanks again...here;s another image of them

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8474291345_1833849ff4_c.jpg

[John Marks]

Wow. Beautifully done. This second one almost looks like they were posing for the shot on purpose.
"now stare off into the horizon with a pensive feeling....." :thumbup:

[Hillbillygirl]

VERY tough shot and you handled this with ease, by looking at the results. Nicely detailed in the blacks without blown out whites. Absolutely love that second one Casil.

[casil403]

Many thanks JM and HBG... They were pretty used to people and pretty bonded to each other. I wish some of the shots of them talking to each other, rubbing beaks and then grooming turned out. It was pretty cool to watch.
I can mimic a few of their calls also and they answer back, tilt their heads and raise their "eyebrow" feathers when I do that. I got the nickname "Raven Whisperer" on the tour on the last day. :D
They are probably my favourite birds.

[asnow]

I'm really digging that second one. Nicely controlled detail in the blacks.

[Doug L]

Wow! I love that second image, both technically and aesthetically. Beautifully done. And thanks so much for the interesting anecdotes.