Arctic tern

[Jonathan Ashton]

Canon 5D IV Canon 500 mm f4 L IS II Auto ISO 2000,(+067) 1/2000 sec f8
ACR + PSCC
Image taken at the Farne Islands

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Jon, the overcast conditions helped on the whites for sure, typical of this location .

I'm wondering if you were slightly higher, you may have managed to have a complete backdrop of green, rather than the sky creeping in, can't remember if you were crouching or standing, but 50/50 either way. I think going more towards 1/3200 to really freeze everything may have been better, although having some blur motion adds interest. I like the vegetation at the foot, creates some nice interest and a good location to have a nest, careful you don't sting yourself, ah you did.

Colours are very reflective at time of capture and nice to see the eye not lost in the black of the head. Looks well exposed and the 5D is delivering some good IQ too.

TFS
Steve

[John Mack]

Nice frame. Like the vegetation across the bottom here. Don't mind the sky strip along the top.

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

The soft BG certainly helps to bring this bird nicely to the front Jon! The foliage at the bottom adds environmental interest too.

I'm actually surprised that 1/2000s did not fully freeze the wing tips. Not that it really matters - I generally like a bit of movement shown on the wing tips for BIF. Certainly a keeper!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Thanks for the feedback much appreciated. I did make a version with the sky removed and replaced by the green grasses but I preferred the sky at the top.