Theme: It is not easy being a loon parent

[Randy Stout]

Parenting takes it toll on the adult loons. The parents seem to molt earlier than the non parents, and get pretty shopworn by the time they head south for the winter.

D4. 600 f/4 at f/5 1/400s ISO 1250

Full frame. Post in LR CC and PS 2021. Not much needed.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Brian Sump]

Randy, very unique/cool feel in this one and great title.

The blue and sort of sepia tones come together pretty nicely, highlighting the burgundy eye well. Beautifully exposed.

The crop is a little bit awkward in terms of cutting the tail off the parent, however the image design is quite pleasing the way the young ones' beaks fill the space below the adult's beak.

I could see one in a 2x3 with a little off left, but I like this one quite well too. TFS.

[Dorian Anderson]

I'm having a hard time figuring this frame out. It's neither a full-body nor a headshot of the adult, and the young are both present and OOF. So, it has some interesting elements, but I'm not sure how well they come together to to tell a story, particularly as the old-ish young aren't directly interacting with parent. However, as someone who is married and childless, I can say my wife and I have infinitely more energy than our many breeding friends. I also think we look years younger!

[David Roach]

Love the usual intimate POV and the image design overall. And yes, I got my silver top earlier than most due to a brood of five... Grandkids are worth it, though... TFS

[Daniel Cadieux]

It is an interesting frame indeed, and when you've taken as many loon images as you have, it becomes a challenge to get something different. I love the molting pattern around the bill. Well exposed, and good details on the parent loon. As for the young ones, I like them too, but I just wish the far one was a bot more forward to get the whole eye clear. Enough blue in the water to add interest there too.

[John Mack]

Nice to see them high key. I do like the framing. It works very well with the out of focus chicks.

[Arthur Morris]

I disagree with most of the folks above :) For me, this is a stunning juxtapositional image. I love that we get a peek at the eye of the second chick. I love the head of the molting adult and the soft light/high key look.

with love, artie

ps: Did you get my mail on the Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro?

[Arthur Morris]

ps: I would not have minded a bit more head turn on the adult ...

with love, a

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for your input. Appreciated. I really saw this as a story telling image.

Cheers

Randy