Spring Turkey

[Lyle Gruby]

My wife and I went to the Smokies for a short getaway a couple months ago, and breeding season was in full swing for these fellows. They were more than ready to pose and show their wares. This big daddy is gobbling to attract a hen in another pasture. He is on top of a small hill and the background is the ground fog or "smoke" the smoky mountains are famous for. Full frame, cloned out a limb on the right. All C&C always welcome.

Techs:
D3S
200-400 with 1.4 at 490mm HH
ISO 1000
f/5.6
1/2000

[arash_hazeghi]

very nice I like the colors and feather details! I might crop a bit from the bottom where the FG is going OOF

[dankearl]

This is really cool Lyle,
unique and different. Excellent IQ, attractive color and nice calling pose.
I might take a bit off the bottom and a bit off the right side to balance.

[Shawn Zierman]

You nailed the light angle, and great pose and details on the subject.
The background atmosphere is cool. I'd be interested to see what the image
looked like with the limb on the right...just for visual balance...regardless,
this works very well.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like the calling pose, grass, BG. I agree with a crop from below...and of course the turkey just had to stop where taller vegetation would be between the legs!

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful portrait, great pose and colors.

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice shot.
Terrific pose, excellent details, nice background, and love the colors of it's neck and head.
Very well done.

[David Salem]

I like it! Very nice capture with tons of feather detail and color. I love the pose and the whole scene. Exposure looks right on and the Tom has a nice beard and head color. Well done

[Lyle Gruby]

Thanks all for the feedback. Agree with the crop suggestions.