Loonapaloosa 2020 - Loon on golden pond

[Randy Stout]

This male common loon was captured at 9:16 pm on a Northern Michigan Lake. The sun had just dipped below the tree line, straight behind the bird. Left the water with the soft glow, but the bird of course was darker from my side. Used a touch of fill flash with SB900 and Better Beamer. Tried to keep the flash work subtle.

D500 600VR f/4 1/1000s ISO 800. Taken while sitting on the bottom of my little loon boat.

Post: Added canvas to right side, adjusted the color temperature a few degrees warmer, cleaned up the double catch light in eye.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Brian Sump]

Randy, I've never seen a Loon in person but these are stunning. You captured what appears to be velvety feathers, amazing detail in whites, superb iridescence and the water is magic.

Look forward to more!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Just beautiful, these images are really inspiring, focus is spot on and the subtle plumage detail is there.

[David Roach]

Who named this bird? Common, not... The close approach and awesome EXP has afforded a sublime view of that face and eye. The creamy BG makes it even better. Keep them coming ( and I wanna see the boat)... TFS

[William Dickson]

Well done Randy..its looking real good...I wouldn't change a thing.

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wow, the fine detail on the head is spectacular. Just a wee bit of iridescence too, which looks great. Very intimate, I love it.

[kevin Hice]

Just beautiful Randy well done perfect. Details look great especially on that bill and head. Great lighting too. TFS Randy just have to go back and keep looking at it great art.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everybody. I am glad I stayed out late on the lake.

Randy

[John Mack]

Love that water color with those ripples. I can't tell this was flashed. Lovely pose as well.

[Volkan Akgul]

Randy, very good... congratulations

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, great use of the subtle flash, and what grabs me about this, is the perfect eye level perspective. 9:16pm and the sun is only dipping below the tree line - what time does the sun set in summer in your parts Randy ?

[arash_hazeghi]

dark bird against light BG is always very challenging but handled the fill really well and it works quite nicely here...gotta love the long days