Common tern - attack mode

[Grace Scalzo]

From Nickerson last pm. Nesting activity is in full swing and these birds actively defend their nests. (This was not directed at me, but at some people standing nearby)

1/1250, f8, iso400
Canon 50D, 500 f4 + 1.4tc + tripod
Slight trim from left side for a 4x3 presentation.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

This is great Grace! Love the angry look. I would add just a smidgen of canvas to the right. The only thing I think may improve it is if the eye were more visible. Thanks for sharing. :)

[Rich Steel]

Hi Grace

I can really appreciate this photo having spent Monday getting repeatedly pecked by attacking arctic terns for 90 minutes. You have captured a classic pose, with good sharpness on the head and the exposure looks right. Seems though you were getting some nice light coming up from below that avoided much in the way of shadow under the bird. Its difficult to get good catch light on terns but if the head had been turned the other way you would have faired better as the light looks like it is coming from the left. Some extra room on the right would help balance the composition.

Cheers

Rich

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

Nice job on the exposure. Like the pose with wings and perfect tail spread. Another vote for more space on the right.

Cheers

Randy

[Stu Bowie]

Sharp where it counts, and a great hovering posture captured Grace. The fanned tail adds, together with the open beak. I would try and lighten the eye, and take some off the top.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Wonderful timing Grace and excellent exposure. I agree about a tad more canvas on the right but superb action you captured in this image. Congratulations.

[Aidan Briggs]

Good comments from above. I love the open beak, and head-on pose. I would crop from the top, and bottom.

[Joe Senzatimore]

You nailed this one Grace. It was great there last night,once the light got nice. I too think just a bit more room on the right would help.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Grace,
I have to stay one afternoon so I can try a different light angle. Agree with a bit more room right (even for this tight crop guy) as it will balnce the tern a bit better. For such a little bird they have quite the temper don't they?!!!
Nicely captured!

[Bruce Enns]

Hi Grace, a fine image re pose comp BG and exposure! I too would like to see a bit more of the eye.

Cheers!
Bruce

[LouBuonomo]

I agree with a little canvas. Fan-tail makes it for me.. We had awesome light last nigh but I seem to always like the afternoons at nick much better than morning.