Just a Little to the Left, Please

[Bill Dix]

I'll start off the new month with this one; I'm assuming that allopreening captures at least the spirit of the theme. Taken in very dim and windy conditions at 10:15 PM atop the Latrabjarg cliff in Iceland last month. Lying flat on my belly was the only way I could keep from getting blown off the cliff; I don't know how the Puffins managed to stay put. Slight crop from right and top (no more room at bottom).

D7200, 500f4, ISO 3200, 1/800s @ f/5.6 manual.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I'm OK with the framing, and god thing you needed to keep on your belly as you got a nice POV for the behaviour. The eyes are a bit dark, especially the top bird, but the interaction really makes up for it.

[annmpacheco]

HI Bill, belly paid off! this is an endearing image and other than the dark eyes, its a winner!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Very warm display of affection between these two under the cool weather and severe gusty conditions. Great low POV, vital.


Geoffrey

[Norm Dulak]

Nice one Bill. You really captured a special moment from a nice POV.

[Matthew Jones]

Stunning capture of this tender behaviour Bill, I would love to spend time with Puffins one day. With my bright monitor and failing eyes I had a modicum of trouble seeing 'into' the birds so I took the liberty of adjusting the BG lighting down just a tad, obviously not how it was on the day but softens the scene - Hope you don't mind Bill.

[Glennie Passier]

These birds are just the most comical looking. Love the POV and the very affectionate pose. Great details in the feathers

I like Matthew's repost and the softened BG.

[arash_hazeghi]

Your best frame of these words so far Bill, it's the intimate interaction that takes it to the top. good details and exposure. I'd go for something between the original and Matthew's repost (good idea BTW)
TFS

[Bill Dix]

Thank you for taking the time, Matt. The darker background does indeed help to focus the attention on the birds. I'll go back and tweak my file. Did you do anything else to the image? It almost looks as if you applied a slight Tonal Contrast layer, or some such?

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all of your comments.