Front flap - common loon straight on

[Randy Stout]

This fine fellow was imaged in the shade at 7:15 in the morning two weeks ago. He had been hunting in the shallows right along the shore line, and decided that he needed a good flap to dry off a bit. I find that wing flaps facing me are probably only 25% as common as flaps facing away. The softer light in the shade does help with the challenging exposure that that brilliant white breast coupled with black head presents.

D4 600VR f/4.5 1/1000s ISO 1600 Shot from the bottom of my little boat, the "LoonieToo"

Post: Slight crop from bottom for comp. Selective sharpening.

The white under the bill comes from reflections off the white breast on water from diving.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[MiroslavMaric]

Great POV, like pose and all details including white feather. Well done exposure management. The wings' blur is different. It's personal taste about 2:3 format, so I would add (just) a bit around the bird with priority to the bottom. TFS.

[David Salem]

Cool frame Randy. The green BG looks great and you did well with the challenging exposure. Well done

[William Dickson]

Lovely pose and POV. Good control of the whites. The BG fits well.

Will

[David Cowling]

Nice low camera angle gives a good view of the under wings. Exposure very well handled, plenty of detail in the whites. The head feathers must be very smooth as it appears to be made of wood on my monitor!

[Marina Scarr]

Very nice frame, Randy. Well done on a difficult situation in terms of exposure. Your low angle is amazing! Love your BG and seeing those droplets of water on the bird's chest.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone:

David - their head feathers are very fine, almost velvet like, and when wet, the really look smooth. He had just popped up out of the water.

Cheers

Randy

[Sandy Witvoet]

Front-on wing-flap is so rare.... unique and beautiful capture.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Quite different and refreshing, not the usual Loon profile. As always your techs are spot on. It must be wonderful to work with these birds. Thank you for sharing. Randy.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I've never photographed or witnessed a front flap - I'm envious! This individual looks so mean from this angle. Great techs, low angle, BG.

[christopher galeski]

Its all been said Randy,very nice ,good POV,nice action,like the water drops.TFS.

[Doug Brown]

Love your loons Randy! The low angle makes you feel like you're in the water with the bird.