Date Bait #2 - Opinions Please

[Marina Scarr]

Here is a cropped version of the same image I posted earlier this week: http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php/129604. I like both versions for different reasons and would very much appreciate your input/opinions on which image is your favorite and why. I simply can't decide which one I prefer b/c they are so different.

Comments & critiques welcomed and much appreciated.

Canon 1D4, Canon 500L & 1.4
F10, 1/1600sec, ISO 800, manual mode
Feisol tripod, Jobu head

[dankearl]

I think from a birder/esthetic point of view, the first one is the best, if you want to print and sell
cards or prints, the second one is the better one...
Both very well done.

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Superb image with terrific action, great light and composition. I like the catch light in both skimmers eyes and the crossing beaks!

[Don Railton]

Hi Marina,

when i first opened this I thought "probably the first", so I went back to check. I now think i like this one more.. What this image has is a closer view and focus on the interaction and still wonderful IQ. You are fully engaged with that interaction. The original post has the shadow which is a small distraction for me, but it has the sand kick and legs which add to the photo, not from the interaction point of view but to the scene overall. So, as interaction is the hero of these images for me, then i will pick this post... But it's the difference between 'wonderful' and 'brilliant'....

DON

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Marina, lovely image again. So why decide... keep both. Although I think this one shows a more intimate interaction knowing the story behind the image. Thank you for sharing.

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent image. Love the frame.

Regards,
Satish.

[David Salem]

Much stronger image IMO!! This is what the shot is all about for me. The intimate handoff between the two, the beautiful details in the feathers and their faces, the good look at the fish and the awesome texture and detail to their bills. Love it!!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Marina, I like how both sets of bills are forming a X, with the poor fish the victim. Lovely light and well exposed, and they both stand out against that smooth BG.

Im going for your post from the other day, as I like that we can see the feet of each Skimmer, and even a bit of sand being thrown about from the excitement.

[Diane Miller]

A very difficult choice between the two, but I'll give this one the vote for the attention it gives the main subject, the fish handoff. The full frame feels a little too cropped, although I appreciate that there was no time to remove the TC.

[Robert Kimbrell]

Hey Marina, #2 for me. The action here is all about the handoff. Glad the IQ held up well, it is great to see all the textures of bills, and the close feather detail. Good job getting both eyes sharp. I liked the kicked up sand it #1. as it added to the action, but I feel # 2 presents a better view of the core interaction.

[arash_hazeghi]

I also like this one a bit better because of the stronger focus on the interaction element.

Great stuff

[gail bisson]

I think I like #1 from a natural history perspective ( and I like the flying sand) but #2 is better for the photographer in me.
Both great images.
gail

[Mike Poole]

tough call, like I mentioned previously, and it's taken me a few viewing to finally decide, but if it was going on my wall I'd probably go for this crop.

Probably change my mind later though!

Lets just say they both work!

[keith mitchell]

Very difficult one Marina but this one just edges it for me.

Keith.

[Lorant Voros]

A winner for sure. I love it.

[Jack Dean III]

Beautiful image. :)