Incoming Black-bellied plover

[gail bisson]

This young BBPL was chased off by another BBPL and he landed right in front of my lens! Talk about good luck!
needless to say, he immediately took off when he realized there was a human behind the lens.
Had to clone out a bit of the "chaser's wingtip" out of the frame.
Canon 1 dx 3 600mm lens
ISO 1250 SS 1/2500 F 8
Almost full frame.
Comments and critiques always learned from and appreciated with thanks,
Gail

[Brian Sump]

Well isn't this just a beauty Gail. A stroke of good fortune indeed!

Looks like good detail and sharp across the image (f8 helped a bunch, were you already there or did you stop down in time?). The shoreline in the background is unique and I think adds a bit of interest; very minimally distracting with the transition going through the subject's head but you won't hear me complaining.

Doesn't look like you ran any DN on this one? Just a preference thing? It definitely has a very earthy feel.

I would be stoked to have this frame, very nicely done.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Right place at the right time, but you are skilled enough to get the frame! Many would have missed, surely including me. Nice clean beach, and a great look at the black axillary feathers really cementing the species. Neat to have the shadow too, adding to the levitating feel of the image. So cool:c3:

[Bill Dix]

Great incoming frame. Shows his signature armpits nicely. Well captured.

[annmpacheco]

I like this Gail, and as Dan pointed out those axillary black feathers are fab!!! Nice 3D effect here, and you were quick to capture this excellent comin at ya plover, well done.

[dankearl]

Perfect landing, shadow a very nice touch.

[Paul Burdett]

Not much to add Gail...you're rockin' it with the new gear (not that you weren't before). Stunning capture! If it were mine (wish it was) I'd feel the need to clone or crop out the shadow...although I guess it does add a sense of place. The more I look at it the less it bothers me...decisions decisions.

[Steve Kaluski]

Nice freeze frame Gail, have you considered darkening and getting a bit more tonal range in the FG to add to the layering and help separation?

TFS
Steve

[John Mack]

Sweet pose. Neat to see that black on the inner wings. Great timing.