Blue Canadian

[Randy Stout]

This image was from yesterday. It was quite warm for this time of year, and the ice was covered with a thin layer of standing water in some areas. I was struck by the clean look of it, liked the slight leaning pose of the goose.

D4 600VR f/5.6 1/1250s ISO 800 Manual exp. Gitzo/Wimberley

Post:
Cleaned up the ice a bit and smoothed the upper BG a bit, selective sharpening on the bird, but a bit lighter than usual, to maintain the soft look. Minor crop from top for comp.


Advice and comments always appreciated

Randy

[Tony Whitehead]

This is fabulous, Randy. I really like the BG going from blue to white to blue. The Canada is perfectly sharp and the angled pose with the slightly raised foot adds some dynamism to the image.

[dankearl]

Exceptional look at this common goose.
Looks like a studio portrait, stark beauty, nice job to think to even take the photo of a Canada Goose.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I like the reflective wet ice alot. I like the pose as well especially the feet.

[Dan Behm]

Randy,
I like everything about this one, The composition is flattering and the the tones of blue fading in and out bode well making a pleasing image.

[Greg Oakley]

Stunning image Randy - lovely pose, comp and crisp clean setting. Love the droplets on the bird's breast as well,
Cheers, Greg

[Mike Milicia]

Love the pose and setting! Nicely seen and executed ... one of the best Canada Goose portraits I have seen!

[Robert Holguin]

Stunning image!!!!!
Just love the pose, wonderful light and background, and terrific comp.
Very well done.

[arash_hazeghi]

this is very cool, I like how he is standing on wet ground, makes him appear as "floating" in the space! I prefer a bit more sharpening.

[Jon Swanson]

I think it looks like he is walking on water! You could only get this image with the conditions described and you did we'll probably getting a little damp in the process. Very nice image!

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Randy - this has to be one of favorite images of yours. The graduated blue bg really plays well with the cool feel of the image. The composition is just right for me, and I like the slight tilt that the goose has as he leans to his left. Very nicely done.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I think sometimes in our pursuit of the exotic and new, we miss out on great opportunities in our own backyard, so to speak. When out shooting, I always try to look for the little something special, light, environment, pose, that can elevate a shot above the ordinary. It is great fun when it works!

Cheers, and thanks again for your input.

Randy

[Uri First]

beautiful image loved the power of the BG and the movement of the bird

[Grace Scalzo]

Really very cute. Simple and yet not. See my comment to Cheryl. I'd prefer the head to be sharpened just a bit more.

[Gerald Kelberg]

Really love this one - brilliant simplicity! The background blue graduation and the pose of the goose! Really excellent!


Gerald

[Daniel Cadieux]

When most people overlook this species I am glad you showed that it is good to keep an eye out for any situation involving any species that can give you quite a nice artistic result. I do not have much to say about the image itself except that I really like it. Very appealing blues and great pose.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, good IQ, and love the light in this. The graduated coloured BG works so well, and I must admit - since we dont experience icy conditions, all I think of is slip, slip and slip. Great seeing the hint of droplets on the body too.

[vishaljadhav]

Returned to see this again,
wonderful image , the light, bg and everything I see here looks nice

[Jonathan Ashton]

If ever I saw a classy image of a canada goose it was now, love the pose and the light, the colours are terrific , it looks almost regal - I really like this shot. I also like the almost seamless transition between water ice and sky.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

What an image Randy. It appears as if he were posing in a studio! Very well seen and executed.
I'd sharpen the head a bit more too.

[gail bisson]

Hi Randy,
This is one of my favorite shots of yours.
I love the ethereal quality- a canada goose in heaven.
The raised foot really adds but it is the beautiful blues in the BG that make this a killer shot.
Wish for a bit more sharpening on the head.
Well done and I would print this one,
Gail,
Gail

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Beautiful image, Randy. loved the BG and that reflection. very minimalistic....terrific job.

If mine, I'd keep some more room at the top though.

[Satish Ranadive]

Randy Sir:
I fully agree with dankearl ; it looks like studio portrait.
Marvelous image with very nice inquisitive pose.Wonderful clean and blue -white BG. Very nice composition,
Rest as usual superb.Love the frame.

Regards,
Satish.

[David Salem]

Sure dose look like a studio shot for a commercial. Cool how it all turned out. Very beautiful and unique capture. Like all of it. A bit more sharpening will add to it. Well done.

[Frank Schauf]

Nice clean image of this species, Randy.

[Troy Lim]

Love it, peaceful and serenity came to mind.