Semipalmated Sandpiper at Ebbtide #2

[Bill Dix]

Same sandpiper, different patch of treasure. Taken 14 seconds after my previous post, about 10 minutes before sunset. Cropped tighter.

D7200, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 1600, 1/2000s @ f/6.3 manual. SB-700 @ -1.7. (It looks as if the flash did not fire, or was only partially recycled, which improved the warm evening glow.)

[gail bisson]

This is nice Bill but I much prefer the previous image.
I still love the light! Wish his head was turned the other way to get a nice catchlight!
Terrifc blues and greys in the BG.
Gail

[Daniel Cadieux]

Fabulous light, and I love the smooth surface of the water. The feeding pose is neat, but I do feel the face is soft.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

The head seems a little soft.
Nice feeding shot though.
Great POV.

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent light on this one, Bill.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks all. I do have a few frames with his head turned the other way, and I agree it does catch the light better in those, but I liked the pose in this one. When I get a chance I'll work up one of those. Those also seem to be sharper on the head than the OP here, perhaps because the bird in those is better aligned with the focal plane. Here's a repost with some additional selective sharpening on the head and face, but I agree that it lacks real fine sharpness. Maybe a DOF issue since he was so close?

[Geoff Newhouse]

I think I actually like this shot better than the last one. As Gail mentioned there isn't a catchlight but it doesn't bother me at all. The unique head turn in this one makes it more interesting to me. Not sure if the head is sharp or not as someone mentioned but that also doesn't bother me. I really like the image overall despite any small technical imperfections...besides it is all about the art of the image in the end especially if you sell your images. Clients would never notice a missing catchlight or slightly soft head. The light is gorgeous...

TFS
Geoff

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Bill, lovely late light which in turn has brought out warm colours. Your repost is much better with regards to the sharpening.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Geoff and Stu.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image. Beautiful lights and colours.

Regards,
Satish.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Satish.