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!
Thanks as always for looking and for your input. I appreciate it.
David
02-12-2016, 03:28 AM
David Salem
I Forgot to mention that these are Western Grebes and the male is on the right.
Thanks
02-12-2016, 06:22 AM
shane shacaluga
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
02-12-2016, 07:24 AM
Steve Kaluski
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
02-12-2016, 09:11 AM
dankearl
Perfect, thanks.......
02-12-2016, 09:28 AM
Lorant Voros
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.
02-12-2016, 10:21 AM
David Cowling
Brilliant capture of two beautiful birds. A little more below would be nice if you have it.
02-12-2016, 12:05 PM
stuart wanuck
super nice image
02-12-2016, 12:06 PM
Jonathan Ashton
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.
02-12-2016, 12:30 PM
Andreas Liedmann
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
02-12-2016, 12:41 PM
David Salem
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!!
02-12-2016, 01:38 PM
Marina Scarr
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?!?!
02-12-2016, 04:44 PM
Randy Stout
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
02-13-2016, 12:52 AM
David Salem
Thanks again everyone.
Marina, who would have thunk :)
02-13-2016, 08:50 AM
William Dickson
Such a lovely image David. Very well done. I 'love' the pose and those red eyes.
Will
02-14-2016, 01:15 AM
Stu Bowie
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.
02-14-2016, 01:30 AM
Satish Ranadive
Very sweet image.
Wish you the same.
Regards,
Satish.
02-14-2016, 04:29 AM
Glennie Passier
This makes my heart sing!
02-14-2016, 08:22 AM
Wilhelm Waltermann
the view, the kiss....perfect for valentines-day. a invitation to take my wife in the arm. a view, a kiss
02-14-2016, 09:44 AM
Mike Poole
All been said already, excellent shot.
Mike
02-14-2016, 01:41 PM
John Robinson
Echo the comments above.
JohnR
02-17-2016, 12:50 AM
David Salem
Thanks everyone. Appreciate the comments.
02-17-2016, 01:29 AM
arash_hazeghi
excellent Dave! love the interaction and the low angle. if you have DPP try contrast -1 to soften the contrast a touch