Tender Care

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Yesterday I got up at 2:45 AM to be on the shore by sunrise and photographed this Common Tern in first light. The birds nest in a protected area, hence the sidelight but it was the only way to see the eggs since the bird faced south. I cleaned some stuff in the BG.



1D3, 500f4, 1.4x, 1/400s, f/8, EC +0.33, ISO 800

[Lorant Voros]

Very good that they can nest in a protected area. I like the low angle and the soft light. The strength of the image coms from the bird looking at the egg. Very sweet and caring.

[Lana Hays]

Hey Axel......the early bird gets the bird. I really like side-lighting, especially in this one. The eye contact with the egg says it all. Well done.

[Grace Scalzo]

A tender image. I like the side lighting and the shadows that are cast because of it. The little plants are a nice element that add to time and place. You always go the extra mile (literally) to create your images and it shows in the result.

[Nancy A Elwood]

Axel what a great capture! The side light is perfect for you got the eye nicely. And, then the looking at the egg tops it off. Well worth the early rise!

[Stu Bowie]

Axel, sweet light,especially around the head and eye, and love the low angle here. You have captured enough of the eggs to make this work, and wonder what is going through the tern's mind as she stares at the eggs.

[Steve Maxson]

The soft early light makes the sidelighting work here, Axel. Nice low angle, pose, and comp. Well done.

[Nagesh Mula]

Beautiful picture. Th expression on the birds face says it all.

[Charles Wesley]

Axel,

A very sweet image in deed.
Thanks for sharing....
___________________
Charlie Wesley
St. Augustine Beach, FL

[Ramon M. Casares]

As you said, light angle is not ideal, but you managed to get a great exposure, getting up early did paid off! COngratulations!

[Fabs Forns]

Very sweet capture, with lovely warm light. Very tender.

[Marina Scarr]

Hi Axel: Aside from the emotion of this image, the environment really puts it over the top for me. Love the different perspective with the side lighting. Of course, the way the bird is looking down and you can just see the eggs makes it a very tender and intimate capture...so it was aptly named.