His Majesty

[Axel Hildebrandt]

For some reason I'm really fond of Razorbills. I particularly like the shape of their head and bill that looks so unusual. I managed to get a bit fill flash through the small holes of the blind since the bird was side-lit.

http://www.pbase.com/axelhi/image/115849765/original.jpg

1D3, 500f4, 1/1000s, f/11, ISO 400, fill flash

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

beautiful pose/eye contact and stunning bg!!!

[Paul Kusmin]

Nice shot Alex, great to see a different angle sometimes.

[Dr.Pranay Rao Juvvadi]

Head on stare is killer! Great exposure, as with the rest of your Razorbils images.

[Lorant Voros]

This is a fantastic image. Love the stare of the strange eye, the nice detail, great exposure. Fits into the series you have been posted. Congratulations.

[Dave Barnes]

Very interesting portrait Axel. The bill straight on is what works well for me. You have done well here to get it to stand out so well from the dark brown face. The white line between the eyes and the bit on the bill draws your attention to the face. I like.

[Erich Stevens]

Well done, Axel. Excellent use of FF, highlights and shadows are well balanced across his face making a dramatic portrait. I am fascinated by the flatness (shape, not tone) of their eyes.

[Brian Barcelos]

I can see why your really fond of these gorgeous birds and all your images of them have been spectacular to say the least. Great job on the exposure here and I love the head on cock-eyed look on his face, very comical. Congrats

Brian

[Adams Serra]

Great picture Axel, amazing detail in the face and i really like the side light on this one.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Well done, Axel. Excellent use of FF, highlights and shadows are well balanced across his face making a dramatic portrait. I am fascinated by the flatness (shape, not tone) of their eyes.

Thanks, Erich! I think this image also shows why it is hard to get a catchlight with this species unless in very early or late light, the head is tilted upward or flash is used.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The white line between the eyes and the bit on the bill draws your attention to the face. I like.

My first thoughts exactly. Quite the noble-looking one!

[Ted Scalzo]

Excellent in all ways. Great detail!

[Ashutosh Sinha]

I love this Razorbill portrait. Very well exposed and sharp photo. If it was lit from the front so that both side of the face had same amount of light, the result could have been even better.

[Harshad Barve]

Razorbills & Axel ,
awesome combo
Fantastic shot
TFS

[Stu Bowie]

I have always remarked about the white markings on their heads, and this angle puts it over the top for me. I also like the shape of the beak at this angle, and once again, perfect exposure throughout. Great image.

[Joerg Rockenberger]

fantastic. so great to see the eyes. personally, i'd prefer if the bill was pointed straight at you. JR

[Kiran Poonacha]

Its a lovely portrait Axel, loved the DOF from tip to tip.. loved it congrats...

[Chris Kotze]

Excellent image. super detail and exposure. Congrats

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

This is wicked Axel. Absolutely perfect from every aspect. Pin sharp throughout. Man, you rock. :)

[sree.kumar.h]

Excellent execution Axel! I like the way you have captured the Symmetry of head. The head part alone would make lovely Symmetrical portrait.

Sree

[Rod Wiley]

Now that's a keeper, congrats