Black Bellied Plover

[Adams Serra]

This is another image from last Friday afternoon at Estero Lagoon.

MKIII
F 8.0
1/1600
Iso 400
600mm x 2tc

All comments are appreciated

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great angle, light, details and reflection. It needs 0.3 degrees CW rotation and I'm a bit undecided about the plant.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Sweet light and great comp. Not crazy about the plant.

[Jim Fenton]

I've got to disagree about the need for CW rotation.

yes...the water seems "slanted", but I don't think it's due to not being level actually, but rather just due to how the water was washing the shore. Applying any additional CW rotation to this image would tip the bird forward too much IMHO.

If it were my plant, I would likely loose it as it's OOF and less than beautiful enough to be a distraction to my eyes.

Lastly...bird it just a tad hot in spots which could easily be toned down (on my monitor at least)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I've got to disagree about the need for CW rotation.

yes...the water seems "slanted", but I don't think it's due to not being level actually, but rather just due to how the water was washing the shore. Applying any additional CW rotation to this image would tip the bird forward too much IMHO.

If it were my plant, I would likely loose it as it's OOF and less than beautiful enough to be a distraction to my eyes.

Lastly...bird it just a tad hot in spots which could easily be toned down (on my monitor at least)

If you draw a line from the eye to the reflection of the eye with the ruler tool and measure, .3 CW is the result, at least when I did it. :)

[Adams Serra]

Hi Axel, I know you got eagle eyes, but this time i have to agree with Jim on this one. I used the ruler tool from tip of the bill to tip of the bill in the reflection. Lets see what Maxis has to say:)

Adams

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Hi Axel, I know you got eagle eyes, but this time i have to agree with Jim on this one. I used the ruler tool from tip of the bill to tip of the bill in the reflection. Lets see what Maxis has to say:)

Adams

Hi Adams, I just redid the ruler game and "all of a sudden" it doesn't need rotation. I stand corrected. :)

[Juan Aragonés]

I like ths image in the way you posted Adams, specially the g¡fantastic bicolored BG. Very good eye contact and angle BTW

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Axel, I know you got eagle eyes, but this time i have to agree with Jim on this one. I used the ruler tool from tip of the bill to tip of the bill in the reflection. Lets see what Maxis has to say:)

Adams

Hi Adams,
First, let me thank you for considering my opinion and critiques. Nice to know you take my critiques seriously and I hope others do the same. After all, that’s one of the reason I post on BPN.

These types of images are very deceiving to the naked eye, especially with several lines in the water that can confuse you quickly. I have to agree with you regarding the horizon Adams.

You did an excellent job with the low angle, light, exposure and composition. I believe the leaf is just as beautiful and gentle as the Black Bellied Plover and should be left alone. Some people will disagree with me but when your subject’s habitat is as beautiful as your subject, it should be left alone to enhance even more the image. This is a fantastic image IMO!!

In the other hand, this image will look as beautiful but NOT as interesting if you remove the leaf. However, you can take advantage of the situation and tune up your photoshop skills by doing your best removing the leaf. Quick Mask can help you with this. (Let me know if you need help)

Including habitat is OK!! as long as it does not distract from your MAIN subject. In this case, because the leaf is so close to your main subject, my eye doesn’t have to travel anywhere else in the frame.

Keep up the good work Adams!!

[Ramon M. Casares]

I love this one, very nice comp, light and ambient, all looks very fine to me! Congratulaitons!