Loonapaloosa 2020 - Sunset loon

[Randy Stout]

This common loon was captured at 8:35 pm on a northern Michigan lake, just before the sun dropped below the tree line. The good light lasted about 10 minutes, so was happy he cooperated. Sadly, the nest on this lake was abandoned with two intact eggs on it about a week ago. Probably due to the black flies, which have been particularly virulent this spring. Interestingly, the older the loon, the less tolerant of black flies they are.

D500 600VR f/6.3 ISO 800 1/1600s . Taken from my little loon boat, sitting on the floor, lens just clearing the gunwale. I am still working on the submarine however.

Post: Small crop for comp, leveled, cleaned up a few spots in the water. Removed second catchlight The soft light allowed the nice display of colors on the head and neck, something that harsher light doesn't allow. No change in saturation or colors in post.

Advice and comments appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Randy, nice POV, the low aspect works so well. I like the head turned back, but I wonder if a little less on the RHS and more on the left may be better? Glad you had a good time apart from the nest being abandoned.

TFS
Steve

[dankearl]

Very nice closeup and shooting angle.
Maybe a bit on left and a bit off right side.

[gail bisson]

Love the low POV as always.
The perspective makes his head look so big compared to the rest of his body.
Good exposure and details,
Gail

[David Roach]

These are such wonderful subjects. Love the low POV, EXP, the water and that eye. Submarine??? TFS

[Jonathan Ashton]

A feast for the eyes, what a super shot, I would agree move the bird slightly to the right.

[Brian Sump]

Randy, wonderful light and super pose he gave you.

There are a couple odd lines/artifacts in left FG if you wanted to clean them up but hardly noticeable.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, you usual low perspective from your boat - great, and your usual excellent exposure on your favourite subject - excellent. The soft light has certainly brought out the different coloured sheens on the head. Sharpness spot on.

[John Mack]

Nice low angle view of this loon. I like the pose and the light. A touch more on the left would have been nice.

[Arthur Morris]

Gorgeous for all the reasons noted above. You might consider removing the black squiggle on the bill.

with love, artie