Fall makes me think about - Spoonies!

[Randy Stout]

In the fall, as the local lakes freeze over and the bird activity drops, I think about heading to Florida in a few months for some winter photographic fun. Nothing screams Florida to me as much as a nice spoonbill

Taken this past Feb. with Capt. James in Tampa Bay.

D700 600VR 1.4 TC 1/1250 f/8 ISO 400 Gitzo/Wimberley

Post: Selective sharpening, two little spots removed from water

In a perfect world, would wish the near wing to be a bit more open.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the out-stretched neck, open bill, sharpness, colours and composition. Well done Randy.

[Nick Palmieri]

Great pose, exposure and sharpness. I like the fact that you can see the bill and there is a slight open mouth. Just perfect position... a split second before he hits the water.

[Raymond Lee]

Great colour, lighting, wing position, and details.

[Jamie Douglas]

Nice image Randy and I might sharpen the feet a wee bit. Love the feather detail and what do you think about cropping a slither off the top?

[David Salem]

Great shot. Everything is nice on this one. Like you said, left wing opened up some more and it would be 100% perfect. You will have to settle for 99% :)

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, I think you are being hard on yourself regarding the wing position, I feel the incoming pose is great. Good detail seen on both underwings, lovely colour to your spoonie's, and just love the extended neck. A split second later, you would have captured the toes touching the water. Maybe you have that shot tucked away.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

Jamie - yes, feet aren't sharp as I would like, even at f/8 not enough DOF for this entire large bird (plus 840 mm has an effect as well)

I could see a sliver off the top as you suggested. I tend to crop fairly tight, and often hear, you should add a sliver to the top

Cheers

Randy

PS: Stuart, I do have the landing image as well, but he chose to land in a flock, so pretty messy!

[Satish Ranadive]

Randy Sir:
Gorgeous image.Great in coming pose,beautiful colors,lovely details and BG.
Love the wing position and outstretched neck.

Regards,
Satish.

[Karl Egressy]

I like the wing position, pose in general, shooting angle and the striking colours, Randy.