Wood Stork in Flight

[Linwood Ferguson]

http://captivephotons.com/photos/502425375_2RXVq-L.jpg

Stopped at Six Mile Cypress (Ft. Myers Florida) and got nothing, then in a puddle beside the a subdivision found about 40 wading birds including a bunch of mature and immature wood storks.

I caught this fellow flying away, the only one with a good head position really and decently sharp.

D300, 200-400VR, 1/2000th F4 @ ISO500.

Background too busy? Most shots were blue sky behind and frankly tired of them, but I can't decide if this is pleasant change, or a distraction.

By the way, most all of these looked immature, and lacked the crisp black/white colors, some were downright grey. Is that indeed a sign of youth?

Ps. If anyone wants to see a few more woodstorks from that pound:

http://captivephotons.com/gallery/4308820_2rrxq/1/502418503_B9ZJM

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the pose and details, the BG is not too busy but needs a bit NR. The bird is way too tight in the frame. I would give it more canvas top, right and left to fly into. Keep them coming!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Exposure, pose, and sharpness look good. I don't mind the BG, good depiction of habitat. I find the crop tight though...some extra breathing room would be good, and particularly more in front for the stork to "fly" into. The pale bill would suggest a young one as adults have black bills.

[Linwood Ferguson]

Are revisions permitted?

Here is a re-crop with all that I have in the frame in front of it -- he was not very centered. I have more below and behind, which isn't very helpful. I also cleaned up a bit of the noise. Enough? Want to avoid that plastic look when it gets too smooth.



http://linwoodferguson.smugmug.com/photos/510194160_m5UQs-L.jpg

[Daniel Cadieux]

Yes, reposts are allowed :-)

Looks alot better. The NR looks well done, and I like the extra room in front.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Yes, reposts are allowed and it is also a great to see the improvements. I like the repost much better and would probably add even more canvas in front of the bird and if necessary top and/or bottom to keep the composition intact.

[Stu Bowie]

Your repost works much better, and well done on the NR too. Great inflight image.

[Kim Rollins]

As others have said your repost was worth it.


It was good to view the image and thank you for sharing.