
Canon 1D Mk III, 300mm F/4, f/5, 1/320, iso 2500
While on a hike in Yosemite five years ago, my son and I were accosted by this raven. He (she?) was very insistent, and allowed us to be amazingly close. This isn't a crop! Obviously the shot is in color, and I had an idea that it would be even more powerful as a black and white.
I took the image into Topaz Black and White Effects and played with numerous presets. None of the regular B&W looks were appealing to me though, so I began looking around. I found one called "Prussian Dynamic" that gave me a look like it was a full moon. And really, that is the first time I though of the Edgar Allen Poem. I hadn't seen it since early college. After finishing a few more touches on the image, I googled the poem. It begins:
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'
Hmmm. Maybe there was a memory there, going back (unfortunately!) many decades? I think Edgar A. Poe would definitely feel this image represents the feelings conjured up by his poem. As always, the original is on the continue link below. Any comments are certainly appreciated!
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