Shorebird portrait: Least Sandpiper.

Here's a third image in my ongoing series in shorebird portraits, hope you're not getting tired of those!:p

This one, contrary to the other two images before, did not require any fieldcraft (excpet for no sudden movements). I was concentrated on another subject when a small flock of these landed right beside me. I had to wait for this one to get out from within my MFD. I did not fiddle with the settings, but in manual mode the exposure was already pretty much spot on.

Canon 40D + 100-400L @400mm, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/320s., f/6.3, ISO 800, natural light, handheld, about 85% FF (cropped a bit top and right). A few darker spots in the BG were toned down via dodge tool.

It's nice when the birds come to you!!!!

I like how the legs are included in this image. The details are fantastic.

I like the ultra sharp detail and nice clean BG.

I like the sharpness, detail and exposure Another beautiful image Daniel!

Fantastic detail and exposure, Daniel. I struggle with the comp on images like this. I prefer either the full bird or a tighter crop.

Tack sharp Dan, with good feather detail. You pretty much nailed the exposure too. The colours on the sandpiper stand out well against the lighter BG.

Nice and clean image. Sharp eye and beak. Not the typical composition, I like that!

Daniel:

Techs are spot on.
I am undecided about the crop. My first reaction was that I would like to see a little more of the legs, to balance him a bit better so to speak. The old cut not clip argument, I suppose. Since you were in so close, couldn't do too much more, although a zoomed out shot or two might have given you more comp. options.

Cheers

Randy

Outstanding portrait Daniel excellent detail and composition.