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Thread: Last ride on the bus

  1. #1
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Default Last ride on the bus

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    This pair was captured a week ago on a Northern Michigan lake. I had visited them two times previously, and despite spending hours floating around with them, had never seen any back riding. I was quite surprised at this, as they were certainly in the 0-10 day old time frame where you often see lots of back riding. So, I had very low expectations of seeing any when I returned when the chicks were ~17 days old. Normally when the chicks climb up on the back, the adult will lift a wing to allow them easier access. Not the case here! Junior started a couple of feet behind the adult, paddled furiously and shot up over the adults tail and slid forward ! I was sure that the adult would just dive out from under it, which is how they handle the situation when they stop allowing back riding, but for some reason this adult let the chick stay up for 15 minutes! Several times is almost fell off the side, and the view from behind was pretty funny as they kind of sprawled all over the adult, with legs on each side of the adult.

    It was a quiet morning in a dark back bay.

    D850. 600VR. f/4.5. 1/250ss, ISO 800. Manual fill flash with Better Beamer.

    Post: Slight crop, cleaned up a few spots in the water.

    Advice and comments always appreciated.

    Cheers

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

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    Wonderful story and canvas to boot. I've seen many images from when they are younger, this is certainly unique. Love the EXP, the water, details and the similar poses. Pretty much perfect IMHO. TFS

    ps
    That foot...

  3. #3
    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Randy it sounds like a photographers paradise to me!. Looking at the image I really don't think one could ask for more, colours look perfect the water is idyllic and the use of flash well I don't think it could be bettered. There is even a small space between the chick's bill and the adult's neck - did you coach this pair

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Great capture, great story. Yes, the chick does look somewhat big to be hitching a ride. Wonderful water.

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    Love the image, I am sitting here shaking my head with a big smile. I have nothing else to add. Thank you for sharing, Randy.
    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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    Well those chicks get big fast. A nice frame overall. I like the low angle and that dark green water. The back riding makes this one.

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Thanks guys, appreciate your thoughts. It is always great fun to spend some time with these amazing birds.

    Cheers

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

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    Avian Moderator Brian Sump's Avatar
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    Just really lovely Randy. A sight not many of us will ever see in our lifetimes.

    You appear to have hit exp dead nuts on and the soft feel with great detail is superb.

    Might consider ironing out that small white vertical wrinkle/artifiact in the right most band just behind/above the tail. If you play the wishing game maybe a slight head turn from the chick next time.

    Grade A for me, well done!

  9. #9
    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Perfect...don't change a thing

    Will

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    Excellent image Randy! I like the interaction, setting, IQ and composition.

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    BPN Member Volkan Akgul's Avatar
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    Hi Randy. so beautiful, perfect shot. very little like a little dark :) congratulations

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    BPN Member Robert Kimbrell's Avatar
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    Spectacular image Randy. You have presented a unique image and it works very well.
    Robert Kimbrell



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