Is This the Best of the Four?

[Arthur Morris]

This image was created on Saturday past at Nickerson Beach at 7:35:08pm with the hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732108-USA/Canon_4411B002_EF_300mm_f_2_8L_IS.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA30028LIS2/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA30028LIS2), the Canon Extender EF 2X III (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732111-USA/Canon_4410B002_Extender_EF_2X_III.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA2XEF3/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA2XEF3), and theCanon EOS-1D X (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827036-REG/Canon_5253B002_EOS_1D_X_Digital_SLR.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CAE1DX/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX). ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops as framed: 1/640 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual Av mode. AWB.

One row down and one sensor to the left of the Central Sensor/AI Servo-Surround/Rear Focus AF as framed active at the moment of exposure. Click here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2013/10/31/if-this-doesnt-get-the-point-across-nothing-will/) to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

This is one of a series of four keepers that I posted to the blog on Saturday here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2014/05/25/a-beyond-memorable-afternoon-was-it-worth-it/). Follow the link to read the whole story, see the original for this image, and see the other 3 before and after pairs.

And be sure to read the amazing story of aspiring bird photographer Greg Gulbransen: How Can a Man Who Runs Over and Kills His 2-Year Old Son While Backing Up His Car Become a Hero?
(http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2014/05/26/how-can-a-man-who-runs-over-and-kills-his-2-year-old-son-while-backing-up-his-car-become-a-hero/)
As for the image, don't be shy; all comments welcome.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Artie, I really like the soft light in this, which has helped with the overall exposure on the whites. Good 'interaction' between the two Terns, and your low angle works well. Love the blue in the top half of the BG.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Stu. The blue is the Atlantic.

[Robert Kimbrell]

Beautiful exposure and whites as you always do. A very nice angle as you can see both of the males wings well, Love the oof birds in the background, The blur looks just right to my eye. Not sure the yellow in the urc. contributes.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Robert. The o-o-f yellow things are lifeguard stands. I could have removed them but I like their position in the frame and they do set the scene. Removing them would not be too hard at all.

[Karl Egressy]

Beautiful soft light and as a result beautiful soft colors. Nice interaction and excellent pose of the male.

[Grace Scalzo]

Artie, So much to like here. I love the position of the female's head and the bit of green at her feet. The birds in the background add to the story that is Nickerson. The yellows do confuse me because in this photo I can't tell what they are . And yes, Greg is a remarkable person with a character that is deep and true. A modern day warrior with a brain and spirit not often seen.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks on all counts Grace.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Certainly a Birds As Art image...in looking I wished the eyes were not lost in the black of the head, but not possible it would seem because the eye is so dark. Thank you for sharing Arthur.

[Joe Subolefsky]

Really like it but I'm curious did you give any thought to taking out that little bit of green?

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Joe. I did give that some thought. If you saw the ORIG on the blog post you'd see that I did some beach clean-up; I hate making them too perfect.... I did think long and hard about moving that bit of seaweed well left in the frame....

[Joe Subolefsky]

Got ya. I'll have to get caught up on the blog.Thanks

[Frank Schauf]

Great timing, great action.