Juvi loon head throw

[Randy Stout]

This fine fellow was imaged three weeks ago in northern Michigan. He is the surviving member of a two chick family that I followed since hatching. It was a cool/foggy/blue morning. He is now old enough that he is losing most of his chick plumage and developing typical juvi feathers. You can still see tufts of his fuzz in some areas.

D4 600VR f/6.3 1/800s ISO 800 Rig mounted on a pedestal in the bottom of my little boat, Loonie Too.

Post: Crop for comp, originally horizontal. Added canvas on top because of head angle/gaze. Selective sharpening. Cleaned up 3 spots in the water. Darkened the pupil slightly.

Interesting to try different crops, but felt this one fit with his pose.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[jack williamson]

This is very beautiful Randy, all of your loon images are good but this one is one of my favorites. The detail and exposure and softness of color all make for an excellent image.

Jack

[Raymond Lee]

Great behavioural capture! Nice details and sharpness!

[Frank Schauf]

Great picture, nice deep shooting position in front of a perfect background.

[Matthew Studebaker]

really beautiful, soft, low-angle shot here Randy!

[vishaljadhav]

i love the low angle, open beak and a superb IQ
BG looks nice
Love it

[mohammad reza shahab]

Great low angle,pose and superb IQ.

[allanrube]

I agree with Jack - one of your best. Detail, pose +++

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image.Beautiful pose with open beak. Rest as usual superb.
Love the frame, Randy Sir.

Regards,
Satish.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Randy, a cracking pose and lovely POV. I know you have cropped and added space above, but for me, I wished you had the option of a portrait too, although extending the BKG isn't a problem. Have you tried adding a little mid tone, then some selective blacks via selective colour, just makes it pop a little more IMHO.

One of my favourite birds to view on here.

TFS
Steve

PS I think there is a small dust bunny about 2 o/c to the right eye, 1.5 ins in from the RHS?

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for the comments: Much appreciated.

Steve - thanks for spotting the spot! I have a lot of space below, but the reflection was rather weak. Had originally processed it with reflection in, but changed to current version prior to posting.

Because it was a foggy morning, didn't want to push the contrast too hard, liked the somewhat soft feel.

Cheers

Randy

[Steve Kaluski]

Now worries Randy, you know the look & feel you wish to create.

Maybe one day I will get to shoot this bird again.