Dune

I love when an out of the box image presents itself and I am paying enough attention to notice and lucky enough to capture it. This Adult Oyster Catcher was taking a break from feeding its young and decided to lay in the dune. I was already low and decided to take a look so I immediately opened the lens all the way for minimal dof. I love the effect. My question is which way to crop. I shot it with one vision in mind but then saw it a little different when cropping. Its not a large crop but I tightened it up a little from the original. So... which crop do you like better? I think I made my choice
Canon 1DMIV 500mm f4 with 2X
ISO 800 f8@1/2000

Heres version 2

Beautiful capture from your mind's eye. I really like the first post because the sky is so inviting; it anchors the bird and leaves you wondering if this could be "bird heaven", It is heavenly to me! Wonderful dof, whites, blacks, detail and bokeh...

#1 is the clear winner for me. Love the sky and the placement of the bird in the frame. This is quite unique, Cheryl, and I like the feel.

Cheryl , I hate to copy the last post , but I also thought of heaven when I saw this. I prefer number 1 due to it showing more sky. very cool shot.

Another vote for #1. The dreamy sky beats the white of the dune and #1 anchors the bird on the ground, not "floating towards heaven". Lovely and unique image. Loi

#1 Cheryl although I might have tried something in between. Can't get over how sharp that eye is with the 2x :Whoa!: Was that version II or III?

almost speechless with this work of art Cheryl, I've never seen any bird image......ever......that appealed to me so much as an artistic and unique presentation. Love the eye as well....first crop for me, second is a little too central imo...........arrrrrrgh !....so envious :bg3:

A truly magic image,like them both,but the first one as the edge,well done.

absolutely love this one!. it seems as if you shot this from a plane & the bird was preening in the clouds.
will remember this for a long time.

Thanks so much everyone. So very encouraging. My first choice is also #1 and that is how I shot it with more of the blue which is actually the ocean. I then started wondering if I needed space for the virtual body and all which is why I questioned the crop. I am so happy you all chose my initial vision.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jamie Douglas

#1 Cheryl although I might have tried something in between. Can't get over how sharp that eye is with the 2x :Whoa!: Was that version II or III?

---

Hi Jamie and thank you so much. This was version II with original 500 f4

Good eye Cheryl, and nicel;y executed. Some situations do not need space for virtual parts...as evidenced from your OP. Love it.

Beautiful shot. I really like the composition. The is not the usual frame filling shot but one can see that some thought went into that image.
Very well done!

Markus

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cheryl Molennor

Hi Jamie and thank you so much. This was version II with original 500 f4

---

Cheers Cheryl, good to know. I am off to dig mine out for the weekend now to see if I can get something that sharp.

:5

Thanks everyone for the input. I decided to post the actual full frame original shot and have decided I like it the best

Well seen and executed, Cheryl. Beautiful no matter how you slice it. I prefer Pane #1 (slightly) over the FF shot, but you're the artist of this masterpiece, so you get to choose.

Perfect, with great eye contact.

Cheryl,

Big fan of the OP! The slight blue on top takes it over the top.

If I were getting picky, I would want a slightly better head angle, but this shot is great as is.

Miguel

I love the creative crop you chose and the vision it took to create such a great looking image.
I love this kind of stuff and you did great here. I also like the diversity in your portfolio.
Well done Cheryl.

Cheryl, OP is gorgeous. Love to see shots like these. Congrats. Gary.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Miguel Palaviccini

Cheryl,

Big fan of the OP! The slight blue on top takes it over the top.

If I were getting picky, I would want a slightly better head angle, but this shot is great as is.

Miguel

---

Thanks everyone. Thanks Miguel and If I was to find a better option that would have been my change. In hind sight I remember not wanting to move more to the right because there was a larger mound of sand to the right and it was blocking the part of the body that I DID get from this angle. So the bird was supposed to move his head for me but he didn't get the memo :e3:bg3:

The last option you posted which is wider is actually my fav.

Thanks Marina

An exceptioanal loely image, execution and conception spot on.
A winner in all forms presented.

#1, hands down. The artistic quality of this is off the charts, Cheryl. It's really fantastic.

Thanks so much everyone

Absolutely stunning, any way you go with it!! A work of art!

Thanks so much Diane