I had to think hard to create this image. First I had to approach this sweet pair in a way that did not cause them to separate and run and lower my tripod to get the angle that I wanted. Then I had to choose an f-stop that allowed me to get them both sharp and focus properly. This is the result. Thank you for looking and for your comments.
f13, ISO 400, 1/640 (Incident metered and compensation dialed in for the whites and confirmed via histogram check)
Your hard work paid off. Very nice image. I am most impressed with the exposure control. Not only are the whites good, but I often see the red channel blown on the beak. Looks good here.
I like the symmetry of their bills and heads. Nice low angle, pleasing background, sharp.
In a perfect world, I wish the shadow of the bill wasn't there, but that is a minor point.
What I like best about this is how you saw the situation, took your time to devise a strategy, and once thought out you delivered. I agree with Randy about the shadow (especially the bill). Would also look into toning down the leg a bit to bring out the pink/flesh colour on it. I'd personally prefer a slightly beter head angle on the standing bird. Very well executed and enjoyable to look at :-)
Fabs, great question about moving to the right, and I had to look back through this series to find the answer. I have one image where the standing bird has a nice head angle toward me, no shadow. Laying down bird, turned away. (Looking at the ocean). Had he turned and looked at me as I must have seen, there would have been no shadow. Hard to get two to cooperate! I have another with diff poses that I'll share tomorrow, maybe a bit more pleasing as there are no shadows.
These guys are my favourite marine birds, and you have produced an excellent image here Grace. Brilliant exposure, lovely low angle, and overall, the colours are amazing. Congrats.