Peek a boo loon

[Randy Stout]

This pair was imaged this past summer in Northern Michigan. It was a terrible year for eggs/chicks, as most of the nests I follow failed. It is unclear why.

D4 600VR f/4 1/1000s ISO 1000 Pedestal mounted in the Loonie Too.

Post: Small crop for comp. Selective sharpening.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Grace Scalzo]

Randy, Did this chick survive? Wonderful image with lots of personality. There is nothing that I would change at all, very wonderful.

[Randy Stout]

Grace:
This one did survive and fledge. It was on a very unlikely lake to work for loons, small, not a lot of fish. The adults had to leave the lake freq. to fish, so I was really worried that the chick/juvi wouldn't get enough chow.

I spent a number of pleasant hours floating around with them.

Cheers

Randy

[Karl Egressy]

Great to see a Loon image this time of the year. It reminds me the good times up in Algonquin.
Very nice image, Randy. The adult looks great and the little one is a real cutie.

[Jim Keener]

So. Beauty floats. Wonderful image.

[Jim Neiger]

Randy, this is a fantanstic Loon image. I grew up in Minnesota where the Loon is the state bird, and its always been one of my favorites. The reflection off the water really lit up the underside of the chicks face nicely. I think the image is slightly bright and washed out. A contrast boost and toning down the whites a bit would improve this really fine image, IMO.

[William Dickson]

Lovely image Randy The position of the chick is great. Well done and thanks for sharing

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely image Randy, along with showing the adult and chick perfectly there is a tenderness depicted in the image.

[Marina Scarr]

Lovely moody image, Randy. I see what Jim is referring to but don't agree. For me, your loon is on the money and your FG/BG gives it the desired effect...the mood.

[Jim Neiger]

Lovely moody image, Randy. I see what Jim is referring to but don't agree. For me, your loon is on the money and your FG/BG gives it the desired effect...the mood.

Its certainly subjective and a matter of personal preference. Maybe my monitor is set too bright. Here is a repost with the changes I had envisioned:

[Grace Scalzo]

I think that it becomes a matter of personal taste. Salt and pepper really. OP for me....head colors show off better but I could see toning down the breast of the parent a bit.

Thanks for replying, Randy. Glad that the little one made it.

[Mike Poole]

Lovely moment in time you've caught, I really like the interaction shown between the pair. Loons always seem to make nice subjects, especially with this low POV. I'd go with the head details on the OP with the white breast looking better on the RP

[gail bisson]

Really nice Randy. A beautiful moment captured. I like the baby duckling details in Jim's repost but like the adult better in your OP.
Well done,
Gail

[Bill Dix]

A sweet shot either way. Super fg/bg, and way up there on the cuteness scale. I could imagine toning down the brightness of the OP on the adult's breast and on the chick's face.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for the comments and Jim for the repost.

Handling the breast on the adults is always a challenge unless the light is really soft. In person it is really, really white, with mild texture from a series of ribs in the feathers. As you tone it down in post, it is really very easy to get a dull/brownish tint to it which isn't natural. Jim did a nice job here, right on the edge of the brown, but OK.

Cheers

Randy

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image Randy. I like the interaction, exposure control, sharpness, low angle and composition.

[arash_hazeghi]

love the intimate interaction between mom and chick, nice low angle with good techs. Ia also prefer Jim's repost with highlights toned down

TFS

[David Salem]

A very beautiful frame with great details and content. I like the OP best. Very nice.