Black Oystercatcher

[Indranil Sircar]

Taken from a cliff near Pigeon Point Lighthouse off hwy 1. This was one of the parent bringing back a limpet to the chicks that I had posted yesterday. The light was on my right and the fact the bird was just passing me added to the blocked dark areas. I still liked the contrasting color and would like to get your feedback if anything else could have made it better. Settings were -

40D, Sigma 50-500mm @ 363mm Hand Held
1/1000 sec, f/8 Mode: Av Metering: Evaluative EC: -1/3 ISO: 400

Workflow includes small s/h, increased contrast, NR on bg, selective sharpening and usm.

~ Indranil

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the pose, eye contact and food item, the BG looks good, too. It's a bit hard to tell at this size but it looks as if there is some color noise in the neck area.

[Indranil Sircar]

Thanks Axel. Yes, i can see it at 400%. Here is a repost...

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Yes, looks better.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Nice and dramatic shot, I like the light, pose, detail, powerfull BG, colors and natural moment. Congratulations!

[Mital Patel]

nice shot indra, repost looks much better.

[Stu Bowie]

I like these images of OC's against the surf. Lovely view from the top, and his food a bonus.