Another Estero Tricolored

[Melissa Groo]

Canon 1D Mark IV
500mmm
Gitzo/Wimberley spread low

ISO 640
1/2500 sec
f/5.0

Another from my time with the Tricolored Heron at Estero Lagoon last month, Fort Myers, FL. Cropped just a bit from all sides but bottom. Lightly darkened some bright spots in background with brush tool.
So amazing to me that in a couple months (maybe sooner?) his bill will be bright blue, in breeding plumage.
All comments and critiques much appreciated.

[Tim King]

Whoa!! Very nice, Melissa!! I like how the feathers are slightly submerged in the wonderfully colored water. Fine job.

[gail bisson]

Very very nice Melissa.
I love the quality of the light and the amount that the bird fills the frame.
I also like the water reflection lines on the bird.
Perfect HA. Like the tricolored BG ( to go with the tricolored heron!:bg3:) and the way the tail just dips into the water.
I might sharpen the eye a bit and do a tiny bit of CW rotation,
Gail

[Nick Palmieri]

Real nice portrait. I like the low angle, the light looks great, and the detail in the bird is just great.

[Dan Busby]

Sweet Melissa! Gorgeous color pallet, perfect HA and very melancholy. I like the tail dip too.

[Marina Scarr]

Lovely colors, details in the feathers and mood created here.

[Robert Holguin]

Beautiful image.
Just love the amzing light, terrific pose, and wonderful background.
The water reflecting on the bird is splendid and excellent details.
Very well done.

[Randy Stout]

Melissa:

Lovely light, water colors, details on the bird. It is sharp enough for me.

My first impression was that it actually needed a sliver of CCW rotation because of the water ripples. I can see where the impression of CW rotation came from, because of the slight leaning forward posture of the legs.

Nice shooting angle.

Cheers

Randy

[Amol Khedgikar]

I really like the summery mood here in the image (but then its always sunny in Fl.... :))

Love the ripple reflection of light on the bird. great details on the bird, I also like the pointed throat feathers.

I dont know its just me or what but I think the eye could use some sharpening.

[dankearl]

Yes to a bit of rotation and the head could be sharpened a tad for me, but The BG was made for this guy
and the water and DOF is very nice.
As usual, your IQ is very good.

[Diane Miller]

This is awesome! Nothing more to add.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

What an image, Melissa. It has a very calm and tranquil feel to it. Just love the bg, the low angle, the light and the details.
I have no idea why, but I'm really enjoying the tail features dipped in the water. A bit of CCW rot?

[Frank Schauf]

Excellent light, details and bg, Melissa.

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent light, pose details and HA. I love how the tail is touching the water. well done!

[Matthew Studebaker]

I saw this on your fb page and right away loved the colors. amazing light, detail, nice shooting angle. Beautiful image.

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent light, great shooting angle and beautiful colours, Melissa.

[Bill Dix]

Gorgeous light and colors. Another beauty from Estero, with very painterly quality. Add one more vote for slight CCW rotation.

[Jon Swanson]

Great light and details Melissa. I like the reflections of the water on the subject.

[Dennis Zaebst]

Just had to add my two cents worth, Melissa, even though there have been many comments previously. This image is beautiful and exhibits almost every aspect of a perfect portrait image. It's one to be proud of. The ONLY thing I can say in critique, is that I agree on a slight CCW rotation. Other than that, Wow!

[Melissa Groo]

Thank you to all for the feedback. I will do a CCW rotation on my final image. Much appreciated.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Thought I already commented on this musta been on facebook. I like it alot Melissa. The low angle, gorgeous light and great detail all come together so sweetly.

[David Salem]

chiming in a bit late but wanted to stop by and let you know that this is a very nice image. The ligh,t the detail ,the exposure and all of it is beautiful.I like the point where the wings are in the water. Great work.