Sandhill Crane portrait

[Kurt Bowman]

Only spent one morning out in Bosque this year on my way back home from Christmas, so didn't have a lot of chances especially at the cranes close up. They spent most of the morning I was there at a decent distance. So went back through some old files from last year. Some may not like the cluttered beak, but I think it tells the story of how they gather food in the muck.

A1
200-600mm
1.4 TC
shot at 840mm
1/4000 at f/9
ISO 800

[kevin Hice]

Kurt lovely image really natural look . I like the left overs on the beak. Lovely background to go along with the crane. Maybe just a couple more degree head turn. We most certainly overthink the Ha . Fine as is and I like that little drop of mud on the end of the beak. TFS

[Dorian Anderson]

More head turn would be ideal but far from a deal breaker as the bird is beautiful and the details crisp. I also like the stuff on the bill. It adds interest without being ugly or overwhelming. I could see adding a bit more light to give the image more 'oomph'.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Kurt a very nice tight portrait of the crane !!!
All works for me here , i would not thinking about cleaning up the bill .
I think the image can go lighter overall , at least the subject .

TFS Andreas

[Steve Kaluski]

i would not thinking about cleaning up the bill .

I agree, overall it does need opening up in Exposure, a tad more USM and the crown needs more life, richer brighter. A good solid portrait just needs a few tweaks.

TFS
Steve

[Andreas Liedmann]

Nice edit Steve ... i overlooked the " color issue " which is for sure a matter of taste .

[Jack Backs]

Nice. Tack sharp. Debris on the bill is not a deal killer for me. Nice view through the nostril.

[Daniel Cadieux]

If there was ever an example of when to keep debris on the bill, this would be it...it adds so much here. Between the wet grass blades and the mud drop forming at the tip we very well know what this bird was up to. Awesome tight portrait, as a fan of these types of images this ticks my boxes. Steve's repost does improve on it as well.