Oystercatcher in the surf 2

[dankearl]

D500, 500pf, f5.6, 1/3200, iso500
oysterbp.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=187101&stc=1&d=1593027319)

[Volkan Akgul]

wowww...

[Brian Sump]

Dan this bird does very well against the blue backdrop. Nice sharp eye and beak.

Fairly notable halos around head and front of wings.

Did you work to raise the shadows underwings? It has the look of lifting in areas of very dark or blocked shadows perhaps.... never seen one but photos show white underwings? Light too far up in the sky maybe?

[dankearl]

Thanks, Volkan and Brian.
Brian,
there is a halo, I should have noticed, thanks for pointing that out.
I did raise the shadows and exposure a tad, not much, the underside of wings
is not white, just a lighter shade of gray.
This is the hardest BIF there is I think, standing in knee deep surf, shooting flying
offshore birds against ocean or sky or seastacks. The Oregon coast is not gentle......
So I think the exposure is as good as can be done in this circumstance.
These were shot 2/3 stop over.
Here is the next frame. Not as sharp, the 500pf can be variable compared to my 300 f2.8 frame to frame.
This is as shot. No exposure adjustment at all.
These were taken at 7:14 am PST. Not late.
I appreciate your critiques, you have a good eye.
oyster2bpn.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=187111&stc=1&d=1593065869)

[Dorian Anderson]

I much prefer the second image. The wings are higher, there are fewer shadows, and the red beak demands the attention it should. This bird really needs to be in the full upstroke to get the details right.
The underwings are just too dark otherwise. That said, the second is a decent effort once the shadows were lifted. You nailed the knotty feet, and that's really important for this bird as well.

[Brian Sump]

Thanks, Volkan and Brian.
Brian,
there is a halo, I should have noticed, thanks for pointing that out.
I did raise the shadows and exposure a tad, not much, the underside of wings
is not white, just a lighter shade of gray.
This is the hardest BIF there is I think, standing in knee deep surf, shooting flying
offshore birds against ocean or sky or seastacks. The Oregon coast is not gentle......
So I think the exposure is as good as can be done in this circumstance.
These were shot 2/3 stop over.
Here is the next frame. Not as sharp, the 500pf can be variable compared to my 300 f2.8 frame to frame.
This is as shot. No exposure adjustment at all.
These were taken at 7:14 am PST. Not late.
I appreciate your critiques, you have a good eye.

Dan, love your candor and embracing each shot differently!

So yes, like Dorian the second would be a much better photo especially if that anterior wing were down at full extension to match the posterior and with maybe a little more 45 degree light.

I totally embrace your comments about this being a tough shot, you did really well considering. Would love it if you go try to get one at first or last light and post for the June theme, Black Birds. You're so good at BIF, I know you can get one with wings up or down in the sweet light!

[dankearl]

"Would love it if you go try to get one at first or last light and post for the June theme, Black Birds. You're so good at BIF, I know you can get one with wings up or down in the sweet light!"
Thanks Brian, I will not get another chance this summer as you have to have a minus tide to get to the rock outcropping where they are.
The minus tides occur 3 times a summer but not always at the right time of day.
Here is one more for fun, the blacks are blocked from the sun angle a bit.

oyster10bp2.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=187117&stc=1&d=1593101188)

[Brian Sump]

"Would love it if you go try to get one at first or last light and post for the June theme, Black Birds. You're so good at BIF, I know you can get one with wings up or down in the sweet light!"
Thanks Brian, I will not get another chance this summer as you have to have a minus tide to get to the rock outcropping where they are.
The minus tides occur 3 times a summer but not always at the right time of day.
Here is one more for fun, the blacks are blocked from the sun angle a bit.

(http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=187117&stc=1&d=1593101188)

Nice. This is the shot, maybe 30 degrees more off into the distance.

Really cool subjects, red on black with beautiful water behind.... next year for sure!

[John Mack]

I have only seen the american oystercatchers on the east coast here. I enjoy viewing these all black ones. I like the third frame in this series.