Sanderling

I captured this image recently at Ft. Desoto County Park in Pinellas County, Florida. Normally I delete images if the feet do not show but saved this image because of the cloud like appearance of the out of focus small mound on the beach. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Nikon D500
Nikon 500mm F/5.6 VR AF-S ED PF, Handheld sitting on the beach
1/3200 F/5.6 Matrix Metering EV 0 ISO 640 Auto 1 WB, image captured at 500mm (750mm 35mm Equivalent)
Post processed in Lightroom Classic, Photoshop CC 2021 and Neat Image for noise reduction
Cropped for composition and presentation

Definitely not a delete IMO, as I love "out-of-the-sand" shots. My only nit is I'd like to see a bit of a crop from the bottom and more headroom. See you at Ft D one of these days!

Hi Joe , another positive vote for not deleting this frame .
Look good overall to me .
Subject jumps of the screen .... I like it .

TFS Andreas

Very nice - I agree with David about more headroom to create a more solitary impression - not sure I would crop any from the bottom though or you might loose the "behind the dune" perspective and start wondering about legs/feet.

Joe, this works for me. A sort of etherial feel to it and great body angle and eye contact.

I am one who doesn't lose my marbles about no feet so +1 for keeping this one.

Tones look pretty strong. Do you know how to channel blend to see if you can squeeze any juice from the whites? Might be worth a look.

I, too, would take less in the FG but otherwise this is nicely seen!

Hi Joe, my comments pretty much echo others. I’d like to see a tiny sliver less of the fg and tad more for head room. Other than that, I really like this frame and glad you choose to post it instead of deleting it.

I always find it fun to look at molting individuals as we get an infinite amount of plumages and patterns. Congrats on the ultra low angle look here! Works very well for me too. A small white speck could be removed on the bill. I echo the comp suggestions, but excellent IQ and overall image, you did very good!

Nice bird in the clouds look here. Nice light and pose on the bird.