Taken a month ago at Nickerson Beach, NY. I searched for quite a while, and finally found a couple tern chicks, though they were a ways within the rope. I laid down just outside the rope, and used my skimmer pod. This little one was scanning the skies, and alert to all incoming parents with fish. From time to time it preened and I got a series of that as well.
I don't usually go with center placement of the bird, but I didn't like any other comp for this, as I really like the arc of the grasses to the left. And didn't want too much of the dense vegetation on the right. Wondering if folks think it's ok in the center. I also left the out of focus vegetation in front as I kind of liked the way it framed the chick (and I needed the space).
Some crop, sharpening, whites recovery. Did not want to sharpen too much as it was definitely a very fluffy chick and I did not want to detract from that.
thanks so much for all comments and critiques....
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Last edited by Melissa Groo; 08-25-2012 at 04:28 PM.
I think the framing works here, for the reasons you stated. Good choice to not overshapren the chick, they start to look crunchy very quickly when you sharpen fuzz!
The chick small in the frame is effective, as it strengthens the sense of how small they are, and how big the world is.
I could see a version where the tips of the reeds touching the back and head are backed off just a tiny bit from the bird. I can also see a version with a minor crop down from the top to just above the arching reed. Lots of good options here.
I'm not sure about the framing here, I think I would prefer the bird further to the left as it is unbalanced as it is. Love the setting though, with the OOF vegetation at the front left, sand, and diffuse green bg
Great shot Melissa! I like the included habitat in the shot. Sometimes we can't do anything about that. I do like the first post better, for the reason that when you cropped off more on the left the vegetation became too overpowering for this little guy. The original shot is balanced out nicely, IMO. Nice work!
I really like the shot very much indeed. I share your slight reservations over composition and I think a simple crop at the top - still retaining the arched blade of grass would help presentation.
Hi Melissa, I wouldnt change a thing. The open area showing off the chick surrounded by the foliage and especially the curved blade of grass works so well, and therefore there is no other option except for the central placement. Did I mention your low perspective futher enhances this setting.
Precious capture and loving the inclusion of the environment. Good call on not more sharpening of the chick. I like the OP but could also see some off the left but not as much as in your RP.
Melissa, another vote for the original composition. Centering works fine here for me, and without the arching OOF grasses, the image just doesn't have the same nice habitat feel. Great to see some surroundings!
Common Tern Chick, Nickerson
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