Tern with Chick

[Nick Palmieri]

Shot this pair this past spring at Nickerson Beach on Long Island. This is almost full frame with the exception of a bit taken off the bottom. I was doing a program for a group of new photographers the other day and this got a lot of "wows". Thought I would get BPNers opinions. Too tight? Canon EOS 1DMK4, 600mm, ISO 640, f/5.6, SS 1/500.

[Randy Stout]

Nick:

The tight crop works for me to reinforce the intimate nature of the image. The leading edge of the wing and of course the great, bright bill and leg, direct all the attention inward towards the chicks, so I don't feel the need for more canvas.

The parents eye looks a bit unusual.

I might eliminate the yellow spot URC, grasses work well.

Cheers

Randy

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Nick - I agree with Randy's comments. I hadn't noticed the yellow spot on the top right (that's how well the attention is directed down). I do agree that the eye looks a bit unnatural.

Miguel

[Mike Landwehr]

Nick, if the adult was the lone subject in this image, I would want more space. However, I feel that filling the space with Mom and chick adds intimacy to the image, and emphasizes the protection against the outside world that Mom provides the chick. Mom's head angle is exactly where you want it, looking down toward her chick. I love the combination of bright orange, black and white. The chick's coloration stands out against its predominantly white surroundings. I've got mixed emotions about the green grasses, and agree with Randy that I would eliminate the yellow in the URC in the natural color gradient of the background allows you to do so.

[Shawn Zierman]

The emotional impact and natural history appeal is great!
The adult's eye does look strange? Did you use flash? or add a catchlight over a nictating membrane or something?
I think Randy raised a good point about considering eliminating the yellow in the upper right hand corner.
This is appearing to be a substantial crop to me, as the IQ looks to be being stretched a touch thin in the fine details...?

[Nick Palmieri]

Thanks guys. No flash, almost full frame as noted. Will go back and look at the RAW but I agree, now that it's been mentioned, something funky about the eye.

[Thanaboon Jearkjirm]

The crop work for me since it help emphasis on the interaction between adult and chick, and what a lovely interaction you have here. As mentioned, you have a perfect head angel on the adult here. Maybe try to bring just a tiny bit more details off the black feather.

[gail bisson]

I am going to be the odd woman out here and wish for a bit more room all around and wish you had been slightly higher to show more of the chick and all of the beak.
Issues with the eye already addressed.
I do like the intimate interaction. Whites look great but would work on teasing out a bit more detail in the blacks on adults head,
Gail

[Melissa Groo]

I really like the moment you captured here, Nick. So very sweet. I am fine with the crop though I wish you had been a touch higher. I agree that the eye looks a bit odd, kind of cloudy. Nice job on your whites. I like the grasses as it gives a sense of habitat. Wonderful behavioral image.

[John Cooper]

Hi Nick, another vote for the tight crop as it really strengthens the composition putting the emphasis on this moment between mother and chick. Good exposue for the whites and the splash of red adds relief to the overall neutral tones.

[Bill Dix]

Hi Nick. It's definitely tight, but the comp works well for the subject matter. I could see just a tad more room on top. Eye already noted. Great moment captured.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Love the tight crop and the sweet moment captured. Ditto on the eye.

[David Salem]

I like the comp as posted. Very nice scene. Exposed well and lots of detail. Well done.