Common Snipe

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Captured this image on our trip to Iceland at Lake Myvatn this July. It was a fairly overcast day, but not bad light. This is a lifer for me, and how exciting it was. We approached him stealthily, but I'm sure he had spotted us very early on. He was very busy grooming while giving us a glance from time to time. I liked keeping him small in the frame. C&C welcome.

D4S, Nikon 500mm + 1.4 TC, 1/2500s, F 5.6, ISO 2500, Gitzo tripod, Wimberley Gimbal head.

Geoffrey

[Keith Swindell]

Geoffrey,

I like this image, keeping the bird fairly small in the frame helps give it a sense of place. I can't help wondering, however, if it were possible to be a little higher or lower to keep the background behind the bird a solid color rather than two-toned? I find the color change behind the bird's head distracting. Perhaps if you are good with Photoshop (I am not!) you could alter the background to make it homogeneous?

Keith

[Adhika Lie]

It feels like the bird is not quite sharp on this one. But it's a very nice composition. I second Keith's comment on the two toned BG.

[Marina Scarr]

This is a very special small in the frame image!!! Your layered background, lichen-covered rock and the color palette truly make for an eye-catching and interesting image.

[keith mitchell]

Geoffrey very well done getting this shot,I like it small in the frame but agree with Keith's comment about the bg would like to see it with a more of a panoramic crop,just my personal take of course.That,a very nice preening pose you got.

Keith.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. Immediately after posting I realized it needed a bit more sharpening.

Geoffrey