A sandpiper, photographed near the end of August 2012, not sure which type (identification would be greatly appreciated...I'm inclined to think Least, since this was taken in Colorado, but I can't be sure). Found in a marshy wetland in Chatfield State Park in Colorado, in an area that is normally covered by a couple feet of water, but due to the hot summer it had turned into a mossy, grassy marsh. Pipers and Polvers were feeding on an unending host of grubs, worms and other tasty morsels. Shot in the morning, around 8:30 am.
Canon 7D 1/800s f/9 ISO 500.
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L II IS + Canon EF 2x TC III.
This is one of the first few photographs I worked up by following Art Morris' Digital Basics techniques in Photoshop. I welcome all critiques:
Nice display of the wing feathers. Like the shadow on the rock. Second image helps with removing the out of focus area in the foreground. Nicely exposed.
In general, images with the head turned towards us a bit are more engaging.
Good low shooting angle. The focus point appears to be on the wing, rather than the head, and I would consider some more sharpening on the latter.
Nice low angle shooting. The birds angle is not too appealing. You did a good job on the cloning, but left the bird without a leg to stand on. Beautiful wing detail.
Aye, I agree the angle and HA are not the greatest, but it's what I had to work with. He was fairly close...and had a pretty intent bead on me, so I was afraid to move to get a better angle. I like his overall pose, the leg and wing and all that.
@Randy: Thanks for pointing out the focus. I didn't notice that before...so I'll have to keep an eye out for that in the future.
@Alan: The leg is still there...its just a little darker. Its a bit odd, as half is in shadow and half is not. Attempts to lighten the lit part have, at leas so far, not gone terribly well. Any tips?
Sandpiper
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