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Thread: Out for a Sunday Cruise - Common Loon Family

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Default Out for a Sunday Cruise - Common Loon Family

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    This family was imaged in northern Michigan 2 weeks ago. I liked the chicks peaking out from under the parents wing. Probably 4 days old at this point.

    D4 600VR f/8 1/1000s ISO 800 Pedestal mounted in the bottom of my little boat, "Loonie Too"

    Post: Leveled, otherwise full frame. Cleaned up a few spots in the water. Selective sharpening. I actually had to desaturate the water, it was so vivid green!

    Advice and comments always appreciated.

    Cheers

    Randy
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    I just love this! I'm a sucker for "baby" photos, but this a gorgeous shot all around. I wouldn't change a thing. Excellent image.

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    Fascinating reflection! What would you think about a Curves to bring up contrast in the face with a soft-edged mask limiting it just to the face but not spilling out into the water. Just enough to give the face a little punch....

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    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    I would love to see this in person some day.
    Sweet photo, the great angle and nice water (not to mention the chicks),
    make this about perfect.
    Dan Kearl

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    Randy, love the little guy in the back with the look of curiosity. Fantastic that you got great HA's on all of them. Fantastic shot. I think the chick on the left just woke up.

    Gary.

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Thanks Jeannean and Diane, Gary and Dan.

    Diane - I think you have a valid point. Because it is so easy to make the chicks look bad/crunchy with too much contrast, I kept it fairly soft throughout the image(plus the water was very vivid)

    I went back and added a bit of contrast to the adults head. Will be fairly subtle on the web presentation, but I do think it is an improvement.

    Cheers

    Randy
    Last edited by Randy Stout; 06-27-2013 at 08:55 PM.
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    Forum Participant christopher galeski's Avatar
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    nice one Randy,repost is better,nice head angle of the parent bird,great colors in this image.thanks.

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    Excellent pose and light, good exposure control, nice comp and good ambient.

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    Excellent Randy, like the two chick, they add so nicely, lot's to like. Your repost works even better, great shot.

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    Excellent pose and light,nice comp, good exposure.

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    Another great loon shot. The chicks are so sweet and a crowd pleaser for sure! Terrific low POV from your little boat.
    I do see the difference in the repost. Looks better but have to say I don't have Diane's eye and would not have noticed the problem in the OP.
    Gail

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Hi Randy, the king of Loons at work again. I really like how the parent has spread the wing for the youngsters to snuggle in. I also like how they are facing the opposite direction, and with both heads posed clear of the parents plumage. Going between the two images, I can see the slight increase of contrast. Great work.

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    A superb portrait of this family, Randy. Your low angle, the color of the water, the position of the chicks.... doesn't get much better.
    So envious. I was just canoe camping in the Adirondacks with my family but didn't have any luck in finding young. I had plenty of luck with finding black flies, however...

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    Excellent capture. Great IQ & HA. I love the green water & those cute babies.

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    superb on all counts as noted above. i prefer the repost to the OP.

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    Randy,

    I wouldn't have asked for more contrast after seeing the OP, but boy do I like the repost! Good feedback here :)

    Loving your series on the loons, and I'm happy I finally got the chance to see them on a bigger screen than my phone provides. Looking forward to some future images!

    Miguel

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    BPN Member vishaljadhav's Avatar
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    Great looking image Randy, i love the way its parallel to the sensor making it great image
    i love the details

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Thanks again everyone for the kind words and ideas.

    Cheers

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

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    Super Moderator arash_hazeghi's Avatar
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    excellent low angle, pose and details Randy! I like your repost
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    Excellent moment you have captured, Randy Sir.
    Beautiful colors and nice details.Wonderful composition.
    Love the cute little ones.

    Regards,
    Satish.

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