Vote - Family Bird Off

March 3rd, 2011
Nat
Gra’s Gold Finches or Nat’s Swan?

On a family outing at the weekend my brother in-law and I decided to see who could take the best bird photo.

They are not going to win any awards but we would like to know which do you think is best?

Feel free to also discuss the merits or lack thereof of both photos.

Gra (@mrgtrueman)


Nat (@natsnell)


(just for fun, votes from family memebers will not count)
March 3rd, 2011
Nat
Nat's Swan hands down... amazing texture.
March 3rd, 2011
They're both amazing in different ways. The swan pic has amazing textures and nice focus. The finches pic is really dynamic thanks to catching the bird in flight and the one at the top looking ready to fly right at the camera.

If I get picky, both have distracting foliage which draws attention from the main focus, but these are hard to get around unless you start getting into hard-core photoshop...
I'd play with cropping in tighter on the finches at the top and the swan's head at the bottom to see if they change the way you view the images too...

All that said, I like them both a lot! :)
March 3rd, 2011
Gold finches for sure!
March 3rd, 2011
The swan!
March 3rd, 2011
The Swan for sure- although both shots are great
March 3rd, 2011
I think Nat's swan. There is such softness to the Swan's feathers! The other pic shows movement which is cool but the swan is so crisp and clear.
March 3rd, 2011
Swan!

Love the family rival!
March 3rd, 2011
The Swan is my vote. Both are very nice!
March 3rd, 2011
Both are good, in their own way. I like the swan better because of the soft feather detail.
March 3rd, 2011
I'm going with the gold finches. The swan shot is lovely, but I can't help but feel that swans are over-photographed. Gold finches need love too!
March 3rd, 2011
Gott go with the swan...beautifully done, with amazing texture. both good shots, but the swan is super :)
March 3rd, 2011
I am going with the swan, mainly because I like the closeness of it. I feel like I could reach out and touch it. The finches are adorable, but truly, they are two completely different shots. I never would have known that swans had fur on their necks. I thought they were all feathers. huh!
March 3rd, 2011
I'd say Swan
March 3rd, 2011
I would go for the swan.. the detailing in the swans neck is stunning.
March 3rd, 2011
I find the gold finches more exciting.
March 3rd, 2011
I like the action in Gra's but I think my personal favorite is Nat's.
March 3rd, 2011
the swan.... he is so stunning
March 3rd, 2011
The swan is my favorite. I love the texture of the feathers. I do like the action of the finches though!
March 3rd, 2011
The swan because you can see the great softness of this bird.
March 4th, 2011
Nat
@alia_801 @bethanyjay @rebcastillo77 @positronicmommy @vness @lislee75 @daisy @ashleyjwilson @mollyanne31790 @petersonsheri @kirsty1975 @michelleyoung @jannaellen @lr86365 @mattys @kogorek @miata2u

Thanks all for taking the time to judge our little competition.

Overall it has been noted that judging was hard as they are two very different photos.
Gra’s Finches was a lot more technical requiring a good balance of zoom, focus, aperture and split second timing.
Whereas with mine I had plenty of time to make sure I had a good angle and take plenty of shots.

The results now stand at: Nat’s Swan 14 – Gra’s Finches 2

So all told… I whooped you Gra ( @mrgtrueman ), bring on the next challenge.
March 4th, 2011
Winner picks. I bow down to your greatness!

I Must try harder.
March 4th, 2011
Nat
@mrgtrueman
OK next up is the: Family Bridge Off

We have until next Wednesday (9th March) to post at least one daily photo that features a bridge. On Thursday our chosen photos will be presented for unbiased judging. Results by midday Friday will decide the winner.

Tripods at the ready!
March 4th, 2011
Nat
Whoever opens the next vote discussion, we should maybe make the Title different from the weekly theme i.e. not use [Vote] as it could get confusing. I should have thought about this.
March 4th, 2011
You guys are too funny!!
March 4th, 2011
Uh, the finches. I like that the light is better, and also the one Finch taking off adds interest. The swan image has a lot of potential if you feel like editing it. For now, to me, the finches make a better photo. :)
March 4th, 2011
This whole thing has cracked me up too. That's what I love about this site! One big happy family. lol!
March 4th, 2011
No worries on the bridges Nat. Are you planning a trip to Newcastle? Or the blue transporter bridge? I can't help but feel I'm at a disadvantage here. However with my competitive PE teacher head on. Bring it on!
March 4th, 2011
Nat
Thought I would start closer to home with the Infinity Bridge (click for google images). I have never taken a photo of it and its right on my door step (about 6 miles).

Its contemporary and it looks like the best shots are to be had on a night… it has strong potential to be a winner. I’ll try and get out on a night with no wind as I want the water to be mirror still.

Looked at the satellite view on google maps for paths so I know where I can check for the best views.

I think I'm on to a winner. @mrgtrueman
March 5th, 2011
I'm going to go forrrrrr Gra's photo :)
March 5th, 2011
The Swan
March 5th, 2011
@sophiesproject @script thanks for voting guys. we have finished this weeks comp but on Wednesday we will be posting our new comp, Bridges. Please vote for me as I got my butt kicked last week!
March 6th, 2011
Nat
OK, if anyone is following this… tonight I set out after the kids were in bed with my camera and tripod. My brief recon of the area earlier in the day may have paid dividends.

I did the Infinity Bridge and Tees Barrage (Stockton-on-Tees) by night. I can only use one photo today and it was going to be the Infinity Bridge, the Barrage was just a backup for today (I can always go back another night).

Gra has also got a bridge under his belt and its good but I think I have the wow factor due to the sparkling lights and reflections.

I still think I need a plan in case he pull one out the bag. I think I’m hoping for a nice sunny day as there is a tiny bridge on a stream not far away that is listed and was recently restored after some bad weather took its toll. The quaint county setting could be the clincher in this one.
March 6th, 2011
Gra’s Gold Finches
March 6th, 2011
Today i got the winner for the next challenge! Victorian Viaduct in a rural setting, what's not to love?
March 6th, 2011
Swan!
March 9th, 2011
This mini vote is now over. Please see the Family Bridge off for this weeks pictures.
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