GBH (Great Big Hug) or "I swear it was this big"

[Leroy Laverman]

Caught this heron at a local beach yesterday. The crop is not a 'standard' aspect ratio so I wonder if that works. I have more room to add space on most directions if it's too cramped anywhere.

Technical Bits
Nikon D80
Nikon 80-200mm 1:2.8 AF + Tamron 1.4 TC
ISO 800 f/7.1 1/1600sec
spot metering mode, shutter priority

[Adams Serra]

I like it Leroy, the crop looks good to me.

[Arthur Morris]

I too like the crop and the image is sharp. I could do without the rock which draws the viewers eye from the suhject.

later and love, artie

[Jody Melanson]

Crop works for me. If it is ok with your morals, I would clone out the rock up and behind him. Also would remove the one at his wing.

[Robert Amoruso]

Crop working for me too. I agree with the cloning rock comments if it is something you are ok with.

[Leroy Laverman]

I'm completely OK with cloning etc., If it makes the image better them I'm in. :)

[Steve Wheeler]

This is SO SWEET Leroy.... But you missed a rock under his right wing.

Steve

[Leroy Laverman]

Ooops! :o One shouldn't edit while doing five other things.

[Kirk Benson]

Great pose, well cropped, good work on cloning. Excellent image, very well done.

[Jim Poor]

I like it. I also like it better without the rock. I'd get rid of the one little round highlight or out of place feather or whatever it is on the back of the bird's neck.

[Robert Amoruso]

Leroy, Good job on the cloning.

[Steve Wheeler]

That is OUTSTANDING Leroy!

Steve

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Stunning image of the GBH and I love the breaking wave in the BG. I too like the repost and feel the removal of the rock really strengthens the image since the eye is not diverted from the main subject. thanks for sharing.

[Todd Frost]

Original was great but with the cloning it puts it over the top. As Jim mentioned one more little spot to clone behind the neck. Nice job!
Todd

[David Hemmings]

I love the pose and wing positions Leroy, I would try to clone the rock.