"Happy Valentines Day Grebes"

This was taken last spring when I was shooting the Grebes rushing at a local lake. Right after the rushing shots, and before the food transfer shots, I have always wanted to capture this frame. It took quite a few trips and quite a bit of looking at the birds but I managed to get the frame.
This couple formed the beautiful heart shape with their heads and necks as they did their mating ritual and I even got lucky enough to get a nice cross to the beaks. I hope you like it and have a happy Valentines Day!

1DX---840mm---f7.1---ss1/2500---ISO800---HH@9:15am---35% crop

Thanks as always for looking and for your input. I appreciate it.

David

I Forgot to mention that these are Western Grebes and the male is on the right.

Thanks

Another class image David. The bright red eyes and crossed bills really make this image stand out. Nice los POV and top IQ as usual in your images

No issues from me! Great work

TFS

Hi David, lighting looks tough, so well done on the exposure. Perfect timing with the crossed bills, nicely executed. Any more image content below, I just think it could be a tad tight at the bottom????

TFS
Steve

Perfect, thanks.......

Sweet, very sweet. Love the heart shape between the necks, the beautiful red eyes, the low shooting angle and all. I wish for a bit more room below if you have it. This one could make a great post card.

Brilliant capture of two beautiful birds. A little more below would be nice if you have it.

super nice image

Absolutely superb, great work exposure and details spot on. I would be tempted to add a little canvas all round especially the base, they look resplendent but for me a tad large in the frame.

Hi David for me a stunner ... love it , almost as posted . :wave:

I might have gone a bit wider in comp and i think i would add a bit more tone to the HL .

A pleasure to view , TFS Andreas

Thanks so much everyone!! I composed this a bit tighter to concentrate on their heads and the heart shape they created. I wanted it it be very intimate . I do have one that is a bit wider that I will look for and maybe repost later.

Yes Steve the light was a bit harsh and not at the angle I prefer but there was nothing I could do at this location. I think the shapes and action trump the harsh side lighting?

Happy Valentines Day!!

I totally understand why you went tight here, and it works well, showing off that heart anchored by those amazing red eyes. Perfect V-day image, David. Didn't know you were such a romantic?!?!

David:

I agree that the eye, pose, handsome birds, trumps the somewhat harsh light. Very romantic.

I might consider running a luminosity mask on the necks to pull back the whites just a bit, soften them just a bit.

Perfect for a Valentine's day card.!

Cheers

Randy

Thanks again everyone.

Marina, who would have thunk :)

Such a lovely image David. Very well done. I 'love' the pose and those red eyes.

Will

Hi Dave, very well timed to have captured the moment. I really like the overall, IQ, light and exposure, and you certainly nailed the sharpness. This is all about those red eyes, touching beaks, and the shape formed by the moment. Great photography.

Very sweet image.
Wish you the same.

Regards,
Satish.

This makes my heart sing!

the view, the kiss....perfect for valentines-day. a invitation to take my wife in the arm. a view, a kiss

All been said already, excellent shot.

Mike

Echo the comments above.
JohnR

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the comments.

excellent Dave! love the interaction and the low angle. if you have DPP try contrast -1 to soften the contrast a touch

well done!

Awesome Shot Thank you