Razorbill

[denise ippolito]

Canon 40D
ISO 100
100-400 mm
1/320 sec. at f/7.1
HH from a blind
Shot at Machias Island

My first Razorbill and probably one of the most challenging bird I've photographed. This was cropped a bit on right for composition. I had no room top or bottom, but could easily add canvas to the top if it looks too tight. Let me know your thoughts.

I'm thinking I should have bumped up the ISO and shot with at least an 8

[John Haig]

Nice image! I like how you've captured the warm tones in the plumage that often records as simply black, and the detail in the feather patterns and eye.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the fluffed-up pose, angle and eye contact and would add canvas at the top and crop some off the left. I would tone down the whites on the neck and there seems to be a slight S/H halo around the head. I also would have gone to ISO 200 and stop down more.

[Doug Brown]

I think you're spot-on with your self-critique Denise. Also agree with Axel's suggestions. Congrats on your first Razorbill!

[denise ippolito]

Thanks guys for the feedback - I appreciate it.

[Stu Bowie]

Congrats on your first Denise. Always great to add a new species, especially a razorbill. Super pose, and I like the detail and exposure on the head. Another vote for more space on top. Still, well captured.

[Eric Wilmot]

Congrats on your first razorbill... this specie is still on my long list. I like the pose and the eye contact too. As mentioned by Axel, I would tone down the whites and maybe do some selective sharpening. Another vote for space on top. Still, great job.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Congrats on your first.. Beautiful pose , the head angle is good. I feel the back of the bird should be a darkened a bit...

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Denise,
Oh man....a bit more DOF would have been killer! I guess a return trip is in order! Nice job getting detail in the eye!

[denise ippolito]

Hey Denise,
Oh man....a bit more DOF would have been killer! I guess a return trip is in order! Nice job getting detail in the eye!

Hey live and learn!! I can't wait for next year. I will practice long and hard till then!!!:)

Thanks Stuart, Eric and Kiran, I appreciate the feedback!!

[Fabs Forns]

Great suggestions by Axel. I never used ISO 100, my default is 400 all the time unless I need more s/s

Maybe next year we can go together :)

[denise ippolito]

Great suggestions by Axel. I never used ISO 100, my default is 400 all the time unless I need more s/s

Maybe next year we can go together :)

Fabs, Sounds great!!:)

[Simon Bennett]

Good pose and subdued setting.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Denise
Big congrats on your first Razorbill. What a wicked looking dude! :) I think your self assessment is good and at least now you have a great excuse to return. I wish we had these guys AND Puffins down under. :(
Thanks for sharing. Additionally, probably a touch more contrast would be good.

[denise ippolito]

Simon and Akos, Thankyou both for your comments -I hope to return next year for a re-shoot. I'll try some more contrast Akos, Thanks.

[Harshad Barve]

Congrats on your first
agreed on SC
nice pose here, sharpness & details looks good
TFS

[denise ippolito]

Thanks Harshad, I appreciate your comments.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Very nice first RB Denise.
Love the BG and the pose this guy is giving you. I hope you have more of this beauty to share with us.

[Mohanram Kemparaju]

Beautiful looking bird Denise.Head's sharp, but the back, looks a little soft, maybe its the wind, you should try adding canvas on top and go for a vertical crop, the halo around the head is quite visible.

[denise ippolito]

Thanks guys for your comments.

[Subharghya]

Beautiful bird and you have captured it in a lovely pose .. exposure is Gr8 .. as already others have suggested the improvements I wouldn't repeat them :)

[denise ippolito]

Subharghya, Thankyou for your comments. They are much appreciated.