Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, Shooting Date/Time 7/14/2008 14:01:07, Shutter Speed 1/125Sec. Av(Aperture Value) F8.0, Evaluative metering, Exposure Compensation -1/3, ISO 400, Lens: EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM. Hand held from the kayak as we floated by.
No babies yet. She slipped off of the nest, as we put the boat in, to swim to her mate. He gave her a fish to eat. I was too far away to get a frame however. She then swam back to us. She popped up right in front of us, about 10 feet away, scaring us. She danced across the water for about 30 seconds, back and forth. We felt she was telling us to go, so we left. I tried to get a few frames of her dancing, but not quick enough. I will persist, carefully, in trying for babies when they hatch. I honestly thought they would hatch by now. By the way, flash here on this pod is not acceptable, as the neighbors would have a fit. They would think it is disturbing the loons. Way to many boaters are on this pond this year.
All comments welcomed. I want to thank all BPN members for their valuable advice and friendly atmosphere. Thanks James, Blake, Art, Robert, both of you, Fabs and Co. See you alll in the funny papers.
Last edited by Grady Weed; 07-13-2008 at 08:03 PM.
Reason: added info
Grady, I like the exposure on the bird, especially the head and neck area, I don't know if a bit more minus comp might have worked out a bit better? The lower left seems very harsh and maybe the bird's body? I also find the bg very busy, and might prefer less depth of field. I like the comp alot.
When a loon at a nest comes towards you and then dances its way across the water, it is indeed telliing you that you came too close or moved to quickly... It's ironic that the neighbors might get pissed if you used a flash... As for the image, the light foreground rocks are quite distracting.
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Such beautiful birds. Like the environment and the pose in this capture. As Artie mentioned the rocks in front are a bit distractiong . Do wish you the best and will look forward to your future posts. The babies are awesome !!!
I like the pose and eye contact. The rocks don't bother me too much but I would raise the color temperature a bit. Good move on backing up after the dance.