You Still There. Common Loon Looking Back 2

[Grady Weed]

Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, Shooting Date/Time 6/26/2008 05:23:11, Shutter Speed 1/320Sec. Av(Aperture Value) F8.0, Evaluative metering, Exposure Compensation -1/3, ISO 400, Lens EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM, Focal Length 300.0 mm, RAW, Flash Off, White Balance Auto, AI Servo AF. From my Kayak, hand held, about 30 feet away

This loon was fun to photograph. It stayed pretty close to my Kayak, it dove, then popped up very close to the same spot. It was obviously comfortable with my presence. It’s mate was close by fishing the morning’s breakfast. Photographing loons is very rewarding. Their call is mesmerizing. I hear it for hours after being with them.

Bill Silliker Jr. wrote a book on loons called: Just Loons A Wildlife Watchers Guide. It has a CD of loon calls, very interesting to listen to on cool summer nights, or any other time. It is put out by Willow Creek Press, ISBN # 1-5723-687-6. I think I paid about $35.00 for it. It is worth every penny.

Thanks for looking and have a great day.

[Grace Scalzo]

Grady, an excellent series you have here. This image captivated me immediately with the water streaming back his face, and falling from his beak. I know that you are presenting these as you would print them, but even so, I find the placement of the bird here a bit awkward. I'd trim alot of the bottom. I remember some of your loons from a year or so ago, and your improvement is incredible. Your love of subject and dedication to learning has rewarded you handsomely.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great angle, exposure control and look back pose. I agree regarding the composition, not easy if your goal is a 9x6. Thanks for sharing and the book recommendation.

[Grady Weed]

I have it cropped for a 6x8 print and this is the presented crop as well. I used to have a presented crop and a print crop. I got away from that. I will consider that once more for presentation here on BPN. Thanks for the comments above. I appreciate them all.

[Michael Castellano]

Love the low angle and the dinosaurian looking red eye. Some cropping on the bottom would probably enhance the composition and focus better attention on the subject, you really don't need so much blurry water in the frame.

[Fabs Forns]

Nice eye contact and water drippings. I'd like to see less from the bottom.

[Arthur Morris]

Good EXp and head angle. Crop from the bottom. Blacken the pupil.

[Grady Weed]

Art, did you mean to darken pupil so as to take the shine away? I am not sure, as I thought it would be nicer to have the clear distinction. I did nothing to it it is as it was from raw file. I agree with the crop from bottom.

Thanks for your comments. It means a great deal to me.