Up until a few minutes ago I had absolutely nothing for this week’s challenge. Over the Easter break we went to the Lismore area via Ballina and surrounds. We even went over the Richmond River on a car ferry that runs from Burns Point over to South Ballina. It was a miserable weekend weatherwise with a lot of cloud and not of the interesting kind. Coming back from the beach we spotted this Eastern Osprey (I think) sitting in a tree. I wished the reeds were not in the way blowing around in the wind obscuring its face somewhat but short of mowing the grass and frightening off the bird I had to make the best of it.
I post processed in Lightroom and changed it to black and white… I’ve put in the coloured version for your perusal. I don’t mind it in black and white but equally its okay in colour as well. Usually when I put up a post for MM its because the photo, I feel, is much better in monochrome so will be interested to see what you think?
Monochrome Madness is run by Leanne Cole every Wednesday. Please go to the link here for more black and white photos.
daysandmonths 
I like it in B & W – more impact, and the reeds are less noticeable (although they are not very any way). Lovely shot.
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Thanks Claudette. Ive cropped in but in a wider shot they were a little distracting. 🙂
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I like the colours in the colour one, but it doesn’t seem as clear, the eyes are more piercing in the second one, great shot though, I love it.
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Thanks Leanne, I think so too re the eyes, although I have to admit I didn’t process the colour one very much before changing it to black and white to be fair 🙂
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They are both good shots, but the black and white one has more impact – the eyes are really piercing as Leanne says.
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Thanks Barb, yes the eyes really pierce into you don’t they as they were doing as he saw me as a threat with the big lens….
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Fab. I think the contrast in the background is much better in B+W which helps the bird stand out. Seems a much stronger image. Good crop.
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Thanks V much appreciated. I thought so too re the contrast, it wasn’t so soft. 🙂
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Yes, a strong contrast for a powerful bird.
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The first time I saw the photo I thought how much better the monochrome version is. It shows the strength and symmetry of the bird more powerfully than the colour version.
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Nicely said Mara i really appreciate your viewpoint 😊
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For my personal taste there is no question. The B&W one helps me to focus on the crystal clear and sharp eyes of the bird. It creates a lot of atmosphere and makes me feel like the bird is looking at ME. Awesome photos and you captured the right moment. Thanks for sharing. Reinhold
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Thanks Reinhold for your feedback and lovely compliment. I agree re the focus in B&W :0
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He’s wonderful and in mono he looks even more fierce!!
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Thanks Cybele I agree re the B&W too 🙂
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ps: or fiercer!! 🙂
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lol either one sounds good to me 🙂
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😀
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I like the original version – but it’s also perfect in b&w – a very strong portrait!
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Thanks Truels for your input 🙂
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I have trouble choosing. The B&W shows more contrast; I like to see the actual coloring as well.
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It was such a dull day that I felt the black and white was more dynamic, on another day it may have been different with better lighting for the colours I think but will have to go again and see what turns up 🙂
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Reblogged this on Covey View and commented:
kazg10 ask for a vote:
Osprey in B & W or color?
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Thanks Meredith, that was so nice of you 🙂
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