Big Foot on Final - landing Trumpeter

[Randy Stout]

This trumpeter came right at me and gave me a 15 frame sequence. Unfortunately, he was so big that most of the frames had some clipping as he got closer. The D4 is quite good at keeping long sequences of action in focus.

D4 500 AFS f/6.3 1/1600 ISO 640 Hand held

Post. Minor crop from below only. Selective sharpening. Toned down a few of the brighter green clumps in the BG, and did some clone stamp over a very distinct blue band of water just above the bird.

Advice and comments always appreciated

Cheers

Randy

PS: I thought the juxtaposition of the swan with Jim' bald eagle just below it was pretty funny.

[Karl Egressy]

Coming in, landing gear is out. Love the before landing pose and love the background. Excellent picture, Randy.

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool Randy, sharp and the light was sweet.

[John Cooper]

Well tracked Randy - good wing-span and portrayed nicely against the warm tones of the BG.

[dankearl]

It looks like a photo from Bosque, very nice light and color.

[David Salem]

Great light and color. Like the incoming pose and the feet out are cool. Good job on the whites. Nice!

[gail bisson]

This is really nice Randy.
The BG makes it look like Bosque.
Nice warm fall colors that contrast well with the swan.
Nice and sharp ( so hard to do when bird is coming right at you so well done)
Good PP work as well,
Gail

[Roman Kurywczak]

Love the BG colors. Not my favorite landing position but sharp throughout and very well done!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, we forget how large these guys wingspreads are, and in this, you have captured a good incoming pose. Good detail from the underwings, and the swan pops nicely from the BG. With him coming in too close, you probably didnt get the touch down.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your input.

I agree, not the most dynamic landing pose, but I thought the feet added enough to make it worthwhile.

Cheers

Randy

[Daniel Cadieux]

I'm with Roman about the landing pose, but I'm also with you about the feet. Good job with the techs.

[Robert Holguin]

Wonderful shot.
Love the light, I really like the feet, head, and wing position. Exposed very well and terrific comp.
Very well done.

[Arthur Morris]

Sharp with nice pose and exposure. But, had the bird been flying right at you it would have been that much stronger. I told you to move to your right!

[Arno Ellmer]

Brilliant in focus capture, Randy .Know how hard it is to focus on approaching subject.Sharpness ,detail ,pose ,superb light .... all came together.