Long Billed Curlew

[Gavin Spooner]

Nikon D2H, 400mm f2.8 af-s II + 1.4 tc
ISO 320, 1/800 f4
tripod and wimberley head
Little Estero lagoon
Jan 3rd 2009, 4.30pm

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_j_UKapWIQ2w/SWA0dfyOemI/AAAAAAAAAT0/-JHs_tBTKL8/s800/GAV_8989.jpg (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vu4TAWOkKC7RimTqginoww?feat=embedwebsite)

[Stephen Stephen]

Gavin nice framing of the bird in this image. I also like low angle the water drops flying off the bill and seeing the prey. A touch of fill flash would have added some catchlight to the eye.

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Gavin, With a usually awkward pose, you have done very well. Sharp, soft light, and a good head and bill angle. Do you know what he was eating?

What part of the lagoon? Morning or afternoon?

[Bogdan Coltea]

I agree with Stephen's comments. I just love the soft light and elegant composition.
The colors look a tad cold on my screen, but beautiful nonetheless.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great soft light, pose and colors. I might remove the dark band at the top and wish for a catchlight.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Pose and action are great. Wonderful soft light as well.

[Gavin Spooner]

Stephen, Art, Axel, Joe, Bogdan:

Thanks for the comments. I agree about a catchlight. I need to get a better beamer and start to learn how to use. Its usually bright sunshine at this location.

cheers
Gavin

[Gavin Spooner]

Art;

This is the 2nd time I've shot the Curlew at the Lagoon. This was yesterday afternoon, high tide in the 1st pool on west side of the mangrove island by the path.

It was eating all sorts but I do not know what they are.

Although I think the soft light is Ok, I still prefer the strong light. This was from the 1st shoot at LEL and i was expecting the same so had no flash for the catchlights.

http://www.pbase.com/wembley/image/105579189/original.jpg