Least Sandpiper at sunset

[Isaac Grant]

This juvenile Least Sandpiper was photographed at Wolfe's Pond Park on Staten Island, New York on 9/17/16. Photo taken shortly before last light on a perfect and cloudless evening. This is the type of shot that I was after that night with warm and saturated colors. There is an algae bloom on the pond and behind this area are green trees which make the water a beautiful green. I considered getting a little higher to get a better reflection but as the birds were close any movements surely would have flushed them.

Canon 7dii and Canon 500 f4ii + 1.4xiii. ISO 640, F7.1, SS 1/2000, -1/3rd. Tripod mounted with legs fully extended while I was lying in the mud (aka goose poop and lord knows what else)

Converted in DPP4. Auto White Balance. In PS i did some eye work, cropped, sharpened and applied noise reduction to background.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Ha! We were both thinking of low angle juvenile Least Sandpiper and reflections! I like the walking pose and subtle head/body angle towards us. Bummer about the piece of crud directly below the raised foot. If you have more room below I'd add it back to give a bit of space between the reflection and bottom edge. Fantastic details and nice fresh colours on this little beauty.

[Isaac Grant]

I know. I laughed cause when I posted this yours was there as well. I agree about the crud. A better foot reflection would have been ideal. Could you tell my why you like more room on the bottom. I am always a bit confused about how to crop these types of images so your input would be greatly appreciated. Would you keep the top as is or take some off the top and add to bottom? Or just add some back to bottom? Should you have equal distance above and below? Thanks...

[Richard Flack]

Overall lovely image Isaac, great detail and awesome background. I am not 100% sure that the reflection works on this one and would be tempted to try a crop with more space above and as little reflection as makes sense. But these things are always subjective and I like this just the same.

[Arthur Morris]

Speaking for Dan, a bit more below to give the reflection some breathing room.

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[Daniel Cadieux]

Hey Isaac, yes, what Artie said. For below, perhaps about 1/2 the equivalent space that you have above would be a good starting point.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image. very nice colors on bird and beautiful reflection. Beautiful looking pose with raised foot and nice composition.

Regards,
Satish.

[David Salem]

I like the pose and the quality of the light looks awesome giving the image beautiful vibrant colors. Perfect light angle so well done lining yourself up right.
I agree with Richard as I don't think the reflection is strong enough to make it worth keeping in the frame. It will also give the impression of a lower shooting angle if you crop most of it out. Well done