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Thread: Lllllllllllllllllllllllllllong-billed Curlew

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    Default Lllllllllllllllllllllllllllong-billed Curlew

    I've wanted a tight headshot of this species for years, but I've wan't able to get close enough until yesterday when I floated up on this bird in my inflatable kayak. I've never seen
    on at this location - I was pursuing waterfowl - so it was a really nice surprise. It was very windy and the boat was bouncing a lot, so getting and keeping the focus on his tiny head
    was about as hard a focusing task and handholding task as I've encountered.

    Any more head turn and getting the whole beak in focus would have been tough! Some will probably poo-poo the beak highlights, but I quite like the sparkle they add. I did clone
    out a few of the brightest spots to even them out.

    Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS 1DX2
    1/3200 at f/5.6, ISO 800
    Processed in LR CC without trickery

    Name:  long-billed curlew head 040220.jpg
Views: 412
Size:  565.3 KB

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Dorian ... i am glad you finally git what you ever wanted !!!

    Perfect frame for me on all counts . Well almost if I am being picky .... LOL . Just wondering if you have lifted the shadow on the birds breast ??? If you have done it ... I would remove it , if not ... I would add a shadow there . The result will be a more 3D feel in the bird ... or more " form" like Steve like to say .

    Nice colors

    TFS Andreas

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    Hey Dorian, yup that sure is a long bill. I have never had to opportunity to photograph this bird. Looking at the image I wonder if there is not more detail that you can coax from the heat. A very difficult bird for a profile, you did well with the composition. Thank you for sharing.
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

    www.amazinglight.smugmug.com

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    Love the title. Nice framing as well. The highlights were there naturally so i don't mind them. Killer background. How big of a crop is this?

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    That is one cool get, my friend. Love this canvas overall. TFS

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    Lifetime Member Colin Driscoll's Avatar
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    Excellent shot, particularly under the conditions.
    They must dig deep. I guess that beak tip is flexible and sensory.

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Great shot, and very handsome comp. Lovely simple BG. I don't mind the highlights on the bill; it was wet, after all. I might have lightened the iris just a tiny bit. Yes, Colin, they have tactile bills, the better to probe with.

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    Quote Originally Posted by John Mack View Post
    Love the title. Nice framing as well. The highlights were there naturally so i don't mind them. Killer background. How big of a crop is this?
    The full-size image is 8.1MP / 20MP sense so @40% of original frame

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