Roseate Spoonbill in great light

[Bob Blanchard]

Had some REALLY wonderful light out at Ding Darling this morning. Nice and diffused, but with plenty of it to work with. Sun finally broke through at about 9:30, but the 2 hours prior was really great for the Spoonbills out there. I liked this particular composition because of the water dripping off his bill. Threre were a lot of nice ones today, though. I'm thinking maybe just a bit more crop off the bottom here. Thoughts?

Canon 1DsMII, 600mm f/4, f/4, ISO 200, 1/400, +4/3 EV, Aperture Priority, Off Blubb in a Frisbee being used as a groundpod at water's edge.

http://catcheroflight.smugmug.com/photos/353162983_vph3f-X3.jpg

[Johnny Bravo]

Hard to imagine a better image. Love the low angle and the isolation of the bird/water in the focus plane is just outstanding.

[Johannes Glännman]

Very nice image. I love the waterdrops from the "mouth" (dont know the word in english) and the low angle... The only thing I really want is to see the complete mirror of the bird in the water...

mvh // Johannes

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great angle, light and details. The water drops add to it. I might put the bird a bit lower in the frame.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Bob

Agree with your idea of cropping more of the bottom The reflection is good but not complete Cropping form bottom and having more room up on top might make the image more elegant Love the feel !!!

[Bob Blanchard]

Thanks guys,

Here's a re-post with him further down in the frame, yet leaving enough for his "virtual" feet:

http://catcheroflight.smugmug.com/photos/353394684_VCaXn-X3.jpg

I also tried one of a head/shoulder crop that might bring a bit more attention to the water splash, but I think the one above is better. I do have the whole reflection in the full frame capture, but it takes the focus away from the water splash and doesn't add much to the composition

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The repost looks much better!

[Bob Blanchard]

The repost looks much better!

I agree. The focus goes to the eye, and then down to the splash now. Before, the reflection from his neck was competing. Thanks for the great advice guys!

[James Salywoda]

Super Shot!!!! I love the comp and mood captured this would make for a gorgeous print Make it Big!!!!!

[Adams Serra]

Hey Bob, Beautiful picture, Was that you laying on the mud at ding darling?

Adams Serra

[Bob Blanchard]

Hey Bob, Beautiful picture, Was that you laying on the mud at ding darling?

Adams Serra

LOL - Yep, that was me. Since there were only 2 of us on that side, I know who you are now too:D Was nice talking to you out there!

Bob

[Fabs Forns]

Bobm this may be my favorite image of yours yet. Love the re-post and as going to suggest less of a reflection. Big congrats!

[Tony Whitehead]

Lovely shot, Bob - repost a nice improvement. Well done

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Awesome catpure of this Spoonbill Bob. Really like the repost too !!!