50D D "A Tough Spot to Reach"

[Arthur Morris]

The toughest part of the leaning-back preening-the-neck image is getting a good head angle. This is one of the few times that I have done it. And getting close to any Whimbrel anywhere is a real challenge.

This image was created with the 500mmm f/4L IS lens, the 1.4X II TC, and the EOS-50D on the Mongoose M3.5/Gitzo 3530 LS combo.

IS 320. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/9 in Manaul Mode.

Don't be shy; all comments welcome.

[Fabs Forns]

Was this is SD?
We saw one in the Seals cove, quite fearless too.

Nice and sharp and great complimentary BG.

[bill kominsky]

Great detail eye contact and killer BG Artie very well done.

later and love........Bill

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very cool pose, details, composition and BG. I like it.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very cool preening pose Artie. I like the bill tip in between the feathers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that already a dust spot on the 50D's sensor? (directly at right of bill near the body)

[Stu Bowie]

A different posture, and its worked out very well. Great capture Arthur.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

A unique image Artie and I love the crop in this capture. Excellent timing and composition.

[Mike Tracy]

The background really compliments this birds coloration. Nice pose and a perfect catch light.

I might be inclined to clone out the little white streak to the right of his bill.

[James Salywoda]

I love the tight shot of this Whimbrel preening excellent details and pretty bg.

[Arthur Morris]

Mike wrote, "I might be inclined to clone out the little white streak to the right of his bill."
Thanks! You do have a sharp eye.. I totally missed that one. I think it was a bug.

Daniel wrote, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that already a dust spot on the 50D's sensor? (directly at right of bill near the body)"

Yikes. The automated sensor cleaning systems on the MIII and the 50D bodies are so good that I have eliminated dust spotting from my workflow. Spots like the one you pointed out are there one moment, and gone the next (as soon as you turn the camera on and off).

And yes Fabs, this was San Diego. I lost a ton of good images of the whole bird on the rock with the perfect sandstone buff BKGR... See the last Bulletin for the details.

[Arthur Morris]

Here is the repost as above plus I toned down the highlights as per a suggestion by Linda Robbins.