Wiilet takeoff

[Mike Wilson]

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Mission Bay- this afternoon

With about 30 minutes of light left today, I got this Willet launch as another Willet was after it. I was sitting in the muck and loving it. Cropped 20%, A priority, matrix meter, -0.7 exp. comp.
D2x, 300mm f/4 AFS, handheld, 1/2000, f/5.6 ISO 400

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very cool pose, light and details. Maybe a bit wider crop?

[Mike Wilson]

Very cool pose, light and details. Maybe a bit wider crop?

Thanks Axel, more room on the right you mean?

[John Cooper]

You nailed this one Mike - great action!! Agree with Axel that a bit more space particularly at the top would benefit composition.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Thanks Axel, more room on the right you mean?

Yes, and maybe a tad more at the bottom, too.

[JP Bruce]

I really like the bird. Good action. I would agree a little more room on the right.

[James Shadle]

Details look really good, sharp and well exposed (maybe +1/3 stop?)

IMO more room above, below and in front of this beautiful bird would make it an even stronger image.

James

[Mike Wilson]

Thanks for your suggestions on the crop, I like it wider.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the repost much better. I might clean up some of the dark spots in the BG and the catch light almost disappeared.

[Alfred Forns]

MIke this is one of the bird posts I've seen in a long time Just sweet Love the running with perfect head angle and raised wings !!!! Big Time Congrats !!!

[Tony Whitehead]

Great shot Mike. Like the repost better - great action and light

[Maxis Gamez]

Second pose works very well and I agree with the comments. Excellent capture and light!

[Arthur Morris]

Ready, set, go! I'd like the re-post with a bit off of the back. Adding space behind the bird reduces the dynamic impact for me. But I agree, this one rocks!
Here is an important lesson for all. Mike consistently posts excellent images; I believe that his longest lens is the 300... All those with long lens envy please take note: there are many, many advantages to having "only" a medium telephoto...

later and love, artie

[Glenn Bartley]

A great dynamic image. I like the repost for sure. Well done!

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

I like the repost much better,great sharp eye and light!!!

[Fabs Forns]

Impressive work, my dear friend!!! Say hi to Debbie for me :) Already planning our nest trip ;) we really loved SAN!!!!

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Beautiful image Mike with wonderful running action. Great detail and lighting and I like the crop suggestion. A real beauty !!!

[Mike Wilson]

Ready, set, go! I'd like the re-post with a bit off of the back. Adding space behind the bird reduces the dynamic impact for me. But I agree, this one rocks!
Here is an important lesson for all. Mike consistently posts excellent images; I believe that his longest lens is the 300... All those with long lens envy please take note: there are many, many advantages to having "only" a medium telephoto...

later and love, artie

Thanks for the good words Art. I love using the medium telephoto for action and flight on medium to large sized birds at normal distances. The 300 f/4(with the 1.5x crop) is perfect for me to shoot flight. I will soon return to the 500 f/4 world but will always keep this lens closeby when I do.

[Mike Wilson]

Impressive work, my dear friend!!! Say hi to Debbie for me :) Already planning our nest trip ;) we really loved SAN!!!!

Thanks and I will tell her hello. Miss you guys.

[Greg Forcey]

Great pose. I love the extended wings and the head turn toward you!