Sunrise Landing

[Robert Kimbrell]

This image was taken Saturday morning ~13 minutes after sunrise. I was out on some mudflats shooting a pair of Spoons that were shaded by the tree line behind us. A squadron of Spoonbills flew in behind me and banked to land. I was shooting in manual and managed to get my shutter speed form 500 to 640, and the moment of landing was gone. I could kick myself for not having been more dialed in for this. Always learning.

1Dx 600mm
F5.6 ISO 1600 SS 640
cloned out a rope near the feet.

[stuart wanuck]

Really nice!!!

[gail bisson]

The light, wing position and foot placement are topnotch.
Just wish (as you do) that you had a higher SS. The image is sharp but not "tack sharp". I would do a bit more sharpening around the neck and head. the slight motion blur in the wings is fine and adds a sense of motion.
Nice BG and your PP is good re: removal of rope.
Gail

[Colin Driscoll]

Finer technicals aside, this is a lovely image.

[Karl Egressy]

Wonderful image!!!!!!!!! The rising sun kissing the bird. Well seen and captured.

[Bill Dix]

Perfect landing pose, and lovely sunrise lighting. Nice job catching him. Yes to a bit more sharpening.

[Jim Crosswell]

A real beauty Robert! The like the light, wing position, dangling feet and composition.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Robert, killer light, and I like the incoming pose. I would try a bit of selective sharpening if it can take it.