Theme: Last low angle presentation for the month- or how the loon sank

[Randy Stout]

This fellow was riding very low in the water, and with the long focal length, I thought it fit the theme for this month. Because loons spend a lot of their time underwater, they are masters of adjusting their buoyancy, and can be real 'low riders' when needed. This is often seen when feeding their chicks.

D4 600VF with 1.4 TC, elf 850 mm, f/6.3 1/1250s, ISO 500. Imaged from my little boat.

Post: This was full frame, and I had to add a bit of canvas to the right. Spot cleanup. Removed second catchlight from the eye.

The lack of detail on the loons back is because it is covered with a sheet of water.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Joseph Przybyla]

Stunning, love the very low angle. Techs perfect. Thank you for sharing, Randy.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, great close up, and lots to look at. An excellent perspective to fit the month's theme. Great eye, and the light has brought out the different iridescence on the head so well. I like the bow wave too.

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Amazing Shot. I like the point of view and the sharpness.

TFS

[Bill Dix]

Another loon beauty. Great detail, and I love the emerald water and bow wave. Don't stop here.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Well now that is awesome. Nothing to critique, simply staring at that wonderfully clear eye.

[Glenn Pure]

Remarkable work, Randy and presented to perfection here. The tonal rendering is really top-rate bring out that great iridescence in a subtle but effective way while keeping detail in the whites. I also like the distorted underwater detail on the 'bow' of the bird.

[Isaac Grant]

Randy I have been wanting to photograph loons on a quiet lake for years. I can never get to do it. These photos are killing me! Man I'd love to come and spend some time with these loons. Love everything about this one. Beautiful details and love the low down shooting angle. That green water is perfect.

[annmpacheco]

Move over Isaac, I'll go too! Randy, this is superb! The bow wake with the rippled white "veriticals" gives a unique sense of movement, or sinking, or separates the water from the seamless gorgeous BG. Such perfect exposure, such jaw dropping details, the water drops, iridescence and that ruby red eye. Did I say how much I love this? Wow, this is another exceptional skilled image.

[gail bisson]

I can only say that I agree with all the comments above.
Simple extraordinary detail shown and terrific POV.
Gail

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. It helps to have a great looking subject !!

Cheers

Randy

[Mike Poole]

Superb Randy - you must have countless images of these birds, but this must be up there with your best, the details are perfect, and loads of little interest points, from the water droplets to the bow wave

Mike

[William Dickson]

Wow. This is looking real good. Love the details, eye contact and the placement of the bird. Nice work Randy.

Will