Common Loon - Low rider on green

[Randy Stout]

This fine fellow was imaged last June in Northern Michigan. There were two small chicks, and he was busy providing for them. The adults adjust their buoyancy to ride at the same level as the chicks

D4 600VR f/5 1/400s ISO 1000 Mounted on a pedestal in the bottom of my little boat

Post: Modest crop for comp, cleaned up extra catchlight, selective sharpening

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Beautifully captured Randy! I did not know that they would adjust to be at the same level as the chicks - interesting and informative. I love the body and head angle, as well as the detail you have in the face.

How do you get so low to get these images?! It's easy on land, but it almost seems like you are a mere inch or two above the surface of the water!

[bhavya joshi]

Wonderful image here..low angle, neat and clean with full of sharpness. very impressive.. Thanks for sharing..

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, love the soft light in this, which has brought out the sheen on the head nicely. Yes, to a good HA, sharp, and the droplets do add. I like the hint of waves infront of the Loon.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks guys:

Miguel - re: shooting angle. My lens is set up to just barely clear the gunwale of my small jon boat, so I am shooting about 10" above the water. I am helped by the relatively long focal length. The apparent low angle is pretty impressive when shooting with a crop body and a TC. This one was just straight 600mm, but still came out pretty well. Next year, I am working on a submarine.

Cheers

Randy

[Gary Esman]

Great low angle, sharp and love the colors. Kind of makes me want this nasty snow to move on out.

Gary.

[Nick Palmieri]

Nice one Randy. Although I don't shoot from my kayak, the immediate thing I thought of when I saw this image was sitting in kayak...usually that is also the only time I see loons. Thanks for the info about the loon and your shooting angle..a photography submarine???? someone will buy it, I am sure of that!

[David Salem]

The caption should read how low can you go . Great Low shooting angle and beautiful details. The exposure looks perfect also. The green water color is beautiful. Well done. Happy New Year.

[dankearl]

Very nice angle, it seems a tad dark to me, maybe bring the exposure up a tad?
I love the eyes on these birds!

[Robert Holguin]

Terrific shot!!
Excellent super low shooting angle, love the water drops, great head angle, and very nice soft light.
Very well done.

[Mike Veltri]

Very nice Randy, I like the shallow dof showing off the head and water droplets.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks folks, I appreciate your comments.

Dan - I agree it is a bit darker than the average we see. I tend to be influenced by my memories of the shot, and often the loons are very early in the morning with subdued light. I will try a slightly brighter version.

Cheers

Randy

[mohammad reza shahab]

Beautifully captured Randy!Excellent super low shooting angle and beautiful details.