Standing his ground

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Another image I made on Machias Island last week.

http://www.pbase.com/axelhi/image/114962698/original.jpg

1D3, 300f/4, 1/2000s, f/8, ISO 400, fill flash

[Doug Brown]

Like the simplicity of the image. The light is starting to get a little harsh, but you've got a good exposure here. Like how the bird stands out against the beautiful blue BG.

[Danny Laredo]

Sweet lokking image Axel, I really like the bg and the detail you got out of the whites and blacks.

[Juan Aragonés]

Axel you bring back home very good images. This guy is posing like a statute. I like the exposure job and the sweet Bg.

[Randy Stout]

Axel;

As mentioned, the BG really strengthens this image, softens the effect of the contrasty light.

You are really killing me with the puffins!

Randy

[thijs broekkamp]

Beautifull! I really love the blue background

[denise ippolito]

Really beautiful Axel. I also love the BG. Details looks great!!

[Stu Bowie]

What a pose. Great flashwork, and in turn, great exposure to go with it too. I like the overall colours in this, and he certainly does stand out against the BG. Well captured Axel.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Sweet image. Bg is very nice. I don't say rotation is needed as you know your settings but looking at the image I have a feeling for a CW rotation. Bird doesn't look to be balanced.

Szimi

[Daniel Cadieux]

Certainly does look good. The blues are of a very nice hue. Good job handling the light with this black and white subject!

[Marina Scarr]

Hi Axel:

Love the gentle GB on this one. Great use of fill. It really did wonders to balance out the black and whites. How pray tell did you get a flash through that hole in those hides? Is there a trick to it?

Marina

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Hi Axel:

Love the gentle GB on this one. Great use of fill. It really did wonders to balance out the black and whites. How pray tell did you get a flash through that hole in those hides? Is there a trick to it?

Marina

Yes, the trick is portrait mode and the relatively small 300f/4 lens. :)

[Ramon M. Casares]

Flash did helped and lighting ended up stunning! Great pose, nice perch lovely BG, beautifull colors and the one thing I miss is a catchalight. Congratulations!

[Morkel Erasmus]

looks like one of those royal guards in London who stand motionless all day :)
lovely flashwork, exposure and colour Axel!

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Fabulous image Axel.
Love everything in this one especially the pose of this guy.

[Lance Peters]

Gorgeous Axel - love the little guy against the blue BG :)

[Simon Bennett]

All round fine image - I like the composition and exposure control.

[Art Kornienko]

The BG is real nice, does it need a slight CW rotation or is it just me?

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The BG is real nice, does it need a slight CW rotation or is it just me?

Thanks, Art! Gyorgy suggested rotation, too. I'll check the RAW file if it looks like it because of the waves in the BG or if it needs some rotation.

[Indranil Sircar]

Excellent composition, Axel. Love the simplicity. Exposure and the details makes this a standout composition.

[Fabs Forns]

Striking portrait, you had very nice weather I can see, no rain and fairly soft light.
Big congrats!

[Grace Scalzo]

Another fine image from your Machias trip, Axel. Not the easiest place to manage, you used all your tricks and tools to make things work.

[Ryan Lambert]

Stunnning subject captured here Axel, comp works very well and you have handled the exposure very well...congrats

[Kiran Poonacha]

Great image Axel, beautifully exposed and nice crop.. loved the pose and details.. Congrats..

do you feel the eye need to be brightened..

[Chris Kotze]

Beautiful bird and a stunning pose and lovely colours. Well exposed and I like the blue BG

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Looks great to me Axel. Love the pose and flash work is superb. I would be careful with the rotation as often waves come in to shore at an angle. :)

[Gal Shon]

You're "killing" me with those Puffins...
BG is stunning, very well exposed.
Don't know if it was possible, but I would try a lower angle.

[Dave Barnes]

These Puffins sure are photogenic and you have used the opportunity well.
The colour balance is fantastic.