Red-throated Loon

[Matthew Studebaker]

Nome, Alaska | June | Canon 1D4 | Canon 600mm f4 IS | ISO 800, 1/2000, f4

[John Rowell]

This is an image that I think really starts to grow on you. Very early light, misty and a tells a story about a very quiet morning suddenly interrupted by the loon taking off. I love the wing positioning and the strength of takeoff in the foot just in front of the water along with the water droplets. The full reflection of the loon gives really nice balance. Lighting becomes almost monochromatic. There is a lot of detail in the neck and wing that makes me just keep looking. Some might want for a couple more stops of light, but I really like this the way it is.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Quite nice, I like the mood and nice IQ. I love the reflexion and splash. I wish there was more room on top and bottom.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the splash, reflection and mood as well. I could see a version with a little more on top. Interesting image Matthew.

[Sandy Witvoet]

Lovely take-off! With an environmental, I would also like to see a bit more space. Wonderful capture.

[Marina Scarr]

This is a unique image, Matthew. I think it would have worked better with a looser crop.

[Bill Dix]

This really captures the mood and setting. I'm OK with the crop, but could also imagine a little more room. I could also imagine punching up the bird with just a little contrast, but it's a delicate balance, and tweaking it could ruin the mood. You caught him at the perfect take-off moment.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like that you have a bit of vegetation creeping in at right...and if you have more canvas top and right it would work well. Lovely foggy mood and the running pose is right at the peek of action. Cool!