Happy New Year!

[Grace Scalzo]

This will be my last post of 2013. (My goal was to make it to 5,000 posts.....came close!)

The image is from Nome with Matthew Studebaker. We wadered up, got in an icy pond, then Matthew played a grebe call and this pair came over to investigate. I got plenty of singletons then decided that the real image and challenge would be to try to get two in one frame, and in sharp focus. This is my fav of the series as I am drawn to the heart shape made by the space in between them. Hope you enjoy it.

So Happy 2014 to all, may the light and subjects bless us all in the new year.

1/1600, f 6.3, iso800
Canon 1Dx, 600 f4 + RRS tripod lowered in water

[arash_hazeghi]

this is so good Grace, I wish it was mine!

Happy holidays to you as well, looking forward to your excellent photos!

[Stuart Laughton]

S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G One photo a year (or two)
like this. That's all I want.

[gail bisson]

I love this one!you saved one of your best for last.
Love the low POV and the light and the heart shape space.
But i am still waiting for you to post my very favorite shot you took in Alaska!
Happy New Year to you and family!

[Mike Landwehr]

What a wonderful image, Grace. I don't know where to start with comments. Super background. Love the low perspective. The subjects are so well positions in the frame. Both turned toward each other, yet both have their eyes on you. Well exposed, and very sharp. I love it!

[Loi Nguyen]

Grace, this is one stunning photo. The interaction, the sharpness, details, but most of all the colors of the birds and the BG! Congratulations, I'm betting that this is going to be a winner! Happy New Year. Loi

[adrian dancy]

Gosh! What a corker!!! ....this image has everything.
Happy New year

[John Rowell]

Super, super image, what a way to end the year. Looking forward to seeing where you go with your pictures in the coming year.

[John Robinson]

Like the heart shape and the whole thing. All the best.
JR

[Daniel Cadieux]

An excellent image Grace!! Everything came together perfectly, even the duelling calling poses.

Happy New Year to you as well:S3:

[christopher galeski]

Fantastic image Grace,beautiful BG and light,great pose,well done and a Happy New Yearto you and your family.

[Martin Dunn]

Super photo Grace. Well done.
I look forward to seeing a lot more of your posts in the New Year.

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

An inspirational photo for the new year, beautiful scene, expertly captured. Shooting angle, colors, soft bg, all combine with the great subjects and their interactive poses!

Cheers

Randy

[Frank Schauf]

Fantastic. Wonderful pose, colors and background.

[Holger Leyrer]

WOW. In all aspects a stunning Image.
Happy new year to you and all here

[Satish Ranadive]

Gorgeous image with magical colors and lights. Love the poses with open beaks, great details,beautiful low angle, wonderful BG and composition.
Merry Christmas and Very Very Happy New Year to you !!, Grace.

Regards,
Satish.

[Joe Murphy]

What a stunning image Grace, you couldn't ask for a better duo pose.

[PRABIR BHATTACHARYYA]

Graceful, colorful and so nice feeling conveyed.
Happy New Year to you too!

[stuart wanuck]

cats meow great!

[Marina Scarr]

You really outdid yourself with this image, Grace. Glad you pushed to reach your goal. Thanks for all your contributions to BPN both in the terrific images that you post and your thoughtful comments and critiques. What a great way to end the BPN year!

[David Salem]

I mentioned that it was my fav of your portfolio when you showed some shots to me and on your site. Fantastic!! That one needs to be on the wall on a large size!!
Try a large Acrylic. This one is so bright and vibrant, it will be awesome.

Have a Great New Year !!

[Jim Crosswell]

A real beauty Grace! I like the low angle, IQ, BG, and composition. Always look forward to your critiques and images.

[Glenn Conlan]

Very Special!!!!

[yogesh_puranik]

This is one the excellent image in 2013. Award winner. Amazing sharpness, POV, calling position, low angle & stunning BG. Superb. Happy New Year,

[Bill Dix]

Spectacular shot, Grace. What a way to end the year. All has been said. Thank you for all of your thoughtful critique during the year, and have a Happy New Year filled with more shots like this one.

[Danny Laredo]

This is just brilliant Grace. One of THE best images I have seen this year no doubt. Congrats!!

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks Everyone. Happy 2014 to us all.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Congrats on an incredibly beautiful image, Grace. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime images where everything has come together just perfectly. Splendid!