Shy Albatross headshot

[Mark Bennett]

153548

Shy Albatross image taken at sea over continental shelf out from Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia.

Nikon D800E
AF-S 200-400mm f/4G VR IF-ED^ with TC-14E II, 550mm
HH
ISO 400, 1/3200 sec at f/5.6
Cropped tighter on head; removed some specular highlights on the bill, eye, and ocean; Topaz Clarity and Glow filters at low strength & opacity to bring out feather detail.

^ A rental, not my normal lens. Not recommended for pelagics; too heavy, hard to autofocus at 400mm end.

[Warren Spreng]

Wow, impressive shot! Nice details and colors, love the darker BG, almost looks like a satin drop behind the bird! Whites are just beginning to blow out on the neck but still great details in the feathers.

[Diane Miller]

Just gorgeous! Wonderful sharpness and detail and a very pleasing crop. A minor suggestion would be a local adjustment for a little more detail in the whites near the bottom of the image, if there is any to be found. The brightness there pulls the eye away from the gorgeous head.

Another option to consider is to lighten the darks in the water somewhat, but that's just a matter of taste or preference. The dark BG does set of the bird beautifully.

Well done!

[Mark Bennett]

Thanks Warren and Diane. It was a close call whether or not to lighten the Southern Ocean in the background but I decided to leave it as it does set off the bird. I'll definitely have another go at the whites thanks ...

[Mark Bennett]

153655

Here is the repost with the whites on the neck tamed. Great suggestion thanks.

[Warren Spreng]

Nice job on the RP!

[Diane Miller]

Yes, excellent work! This is a really compelling portrait!

[Mark Bennett]

Thanks again Warren and Diane :)