Exuberance - Common loon during coffee hour

[Randy Stout]

This is an old image that I have never worked on, from 2010. It was taken in Northern Michigan during what I call the "coffee hour". Although often very territorial when with chicks, the resident loons will temporarily suspend their cranky ways and join small groups of adults that fly in from other lakes to go through an elaborate ritual of greeting and socializing. These meetings generally last 15-30 minutes, and almost always end up with an explosion of activity at the end where lots of flapping, splashing and chasing goes on, ultimately leading to the visitors flying back hence they came, and the adults going back to their chicks, which have been parked in a quiet area along the shore.

D300 500mm AFS with TC-14e, ISO 640 f/6.3 1/320s, taken from my boat.

Post: Full frame on sides, minor crop top and bottom. Selective sharpening on bird. Toned down whites on breast.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Randy, if this is what is captured during the 'Coffee hour' what happens when it comes to 'Afternoon tea'?

Glad you took the time to process this Randy, obviously with hindsight not having the TC would have ensured the wings not being clipped, but for me it's the explosive power that you capture is the key factor. Always love a low POV (where possible) just adds to the image. The strips on the chest sweeping back somehow adds to the forward thrust of the subject for me, nice work.

Any more of these images hidden away???

TFS
Steve

[Jim Crosswell]

What an action packed image Randy! I like the low angle, sharpness, exposure, HA and BG. Very well done.

[John Cooper]

Loads of action going on here Randy and an image well worth revisiting!
The approacing loon at this low angle adds lots of impact.

[MohsenVahedipour]

Super action & nice low shooting angle.


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[gail bisson]

This is a very dynamic image but I so wish the wings were not clipped. Love the breast lines sweeping back.
I think the slow SS hurt you a bit here. I would add a bit of contrast to the face area. It seems a bit " foggy" to me.
Still a very cool shot,
Gail

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Now that's what I call framing in the camera! Have you looked at crops that take some off from the right a bit?

I like Gails suggestion of adding just a tad of contrast on the face.

[Sandy Witvoet]

Wow, Randy! I've watched these parties too... (although they sometimes seem more like Cocktail Parties gone awry!) Superb capture of this behavior. Amazing how they "park" the "kid" .... have a quiet "discussion" and the baby stays put till the parents come back for it. A truly unique capture here.... feels like we are in the middle of the party! WDYT about perhaps losing a bit of the "peach" color up top? Love how the HUGE action behind the Loon contrasts with the rather calm foreground. (BTW, the Loon on our lake is STILL here! ... looks healthy, so not too worried yet.)

[Marina Scarr]

This is one compelling image, Randy! The clipped wings do not bother me one iota. I didn't even notice it on first look. I'm seeing another version also with canvas off all sides or just off of the bottom and top for a pano. You have so many options. This is truly unique. What an amazing body surfer you captured!

[Grace Scalzo]

Superb image, full of impact. Love the composition, the head on approach and all that flying water. 2010, eh? Wonder what else is hiding in your files??

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for the comments, much appreciated.

I suspect there may be one or two more images hiding in the files, perhaps this winter a few more will pop up.

Cheers

Randy