American coot

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/10382931-lg.jpg

40D. 400f5.6 at f/7.1 iso 400. 1/640 hand-held. Late afternon light.

I was the bird's eye level but the BG was sloping upwards. Which is good because otherwise, there would have been distracting tree trunks. That is also the reason I did not choose a lower angle. Exp. comp 0 but played with contrast and highlights slider in DPP to get the most details in the black and white. The usual sharpening of bird and NR on BG done in photoshop elements.

All comments and critiques welcome. Am learning a ton from them. Thx in advance.

[Ted Willcox]

Good composition, I just love the feet!! Maybe a little more room below the feet if you got it, otherwise neat image.
Ted

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Good exposure control, sharpness and setting. Another vote for a bit more room at the bottom.

[Alfred Forns]

Other than the little extra room this Sweet Sweet !!! Good shadow detail, bg and lots of feel !!! love it !!!

[Phil Ertel]

Hi Kaustubh, First thing I thought when I opened up the image was "wow look at those feet" . Your exposure looks good to me as I see good details in the dark and light areas. I think your angle of capture is fine. Thanks for sharing.

[Aidan Briggs]

I agree on more room on the bottom and right, but other than that this image is great. Lovely exposure, low angle, and warm light. You sure are making the most of those common birds!

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Thx everyone. I dont have more room below. This is full frame from some crops on both sides.

Yes Aidan, I do spend a lot of time with common birds. havent travelled much since I started doing bird photography 7-8 months back. And with a 400mm lens, I find it both practical and productive to shoot something within my 'reach' :-)

[Stu Bowie]

You nailed the exposure in this KD, and love the low angle and pose. A tad more room at the bottom would have been good.

[James Salywoda]

Great looking Coot Kaustubh nice colors and detail.

[RAM MALLYA]

Lovely ground level shot Kaustubh and nice details of the bird.