This image was captured on 23-Jun-08 on the island of Isle of Palms in South Carolina at 7:14 AM. This group of Least Terns allowed me to crawl within about 10 yards (approximately 9m). . They didn’t seem t be bothered by me and were quite busy flying back and forth catching these small fish/minnows. The tide was out and I approached while keeping the sun behind me as much as possible. This of coarse meant crawling in the mud (my wife thinks I am nuts). This was my favorite of the series of images that I captured. I was surprised by the wing tip blur at 1/2000s. However I do like the sense of motions it instills in the image.
Thank very much for taking the time to look at this image and many thanks for your comments and critiques.
Specifications:
Camera: 40D
Lens EF400mm f5.6L USM
Focal Length 400mm
Exposure Program: Aperture priority
Exposure: 1/2000s at f5.6
Exposure Compensation: zero
ISO: 400
Flash: Did not fire
Converted in ACR
Slight increase in temperature
Blacks: 2
Small increase in clarity
Curves: minor S configuration
I cropped a little off the bottom and to the rear of the bird.
Photoshop CS3
I cloned out a few small distractions on the sand.
I selectively sharpen the plane of the bird that was in focus
Beat Regards,
Phil
Last edited by Phil Ertel; 07-02-2008 at 08:11 AM.
Oh, beautiful wing position, nice and sharp, the fish is great but I absolutely love the legs/feet. There isn't anything about this image that I would change.
I like everything about it The low angle, exposure, composition, pose and behavior About the only thing I would suggest is showing less of the bottom Would corp a bit !!! Big Congrats !!!!
Thanks much Alfred for the review and comments. I wasn't sure about how much of the sand to keep in. I have cropped out the out of focus bit at the bottom. Is this sufficient in your opinion or should I have cropped out all of the sand?
Last edited by Phil Ertel; 07-02-2008 at 07:17 AM.
Phil
Beautiful image. I like the second crop and would leave the sand; I think it adds an anchor to the composition and some context to the bird behavior.
BTW, that is an unusual date for the capture ... 23-Jul-08, how did you manage to get such a sharp then? :-)
Gail
Least Tern with Minnow
