Pacific Loon from Barrow

Attachment 131294
Barrow, Alaska | June | Canon 1D4 | Canon 600mm f4 IS | laptop edit | f8, 1/500, ISO 400
Taken on a still evening above the arctic circle

Interesting light, i love the composition
the loon looking at the left towards the vegetation make it nice on the eye, very nicely balanced

I am kind of torn with this one Matt. Having imaged hundreds to thousands of Common Loons here in Maine, I've never had the opportunity to image the great Pacific Loon in all it's majesty. You have a nice POV with the Loon looking back into the grass. Sitting up straight and looking right at the viewer is an added bonus and makes this work as a beautiful environmental scene. Of the classy loon dress it up to a very nice work of bird art. :) It seems to me at least, the head is a tad soft, almost as if it blends a bit into the smooth water and back ground. Could it a jpeg compression??? Any way, it is a nice out of the box, in a super good way, to present this fine bird. You always seem to amaze with your artful images. TFS.

Beautiful composition Matt, as always! Nice lighting you had when you took the shot. I also love the calmness of the water. I thought the details on the loon is a bit soft. The vegetation in the center of the frame is fairly sharp, but it's soft or a bit OOF towards the left, I just wish the vegetations are completely sharp throughout. Nonetheless, it's a great image.

Matthew:

These are such elegant birds with most interesting plumage. I have noticed on several imags of them that they tend to look a bit soft, and suspect it may be a trick of their feathers that gives that impression.

I might consider reducing the size of the catchlight just a bit, as I think that might make it look sharper on the eye.

Colors are lovely. I could see several crops of this one, and might try one with a bit off both the bottom and the right side.

Cheers

Randy

Very nice looking picture, Matthew.
The colorful vegetation and the subtle reflection as well as the side light all add to the composition.

OK, it is a little soft maybe in particular around the head region, but it's not always about stunning sharpness and fine detail. In this case I feel it works eye catchingly well. The softness adds very nicely to the overall dreamy look and feel, lovely mood. very much like the way the water is seamless as well. Lovely golden color on the grass and all composed he frame perfectly.

So technical shortcomings aside, I rather think this is extra nice as is, more a work of art than just another duck shot...kudos for originality Matthew

Beautiful shot. I like the composition and the low angle.
Great colors. The vegetation is perfect.

Markus

Very nice scene and colors.

Awesome composition!