Gull-billed tern, HA?

[Thanaboon Jearkjirm]

D700
70-200mm f2.8 VR 1.7TC
340mm
ISO 640
f7.1 at 1/2000s
Manual mode
Matrix Metering
Auto white balance
handheld

Edit:
Focus mode: AF-C
AF-Area Mode: Dynamic, 9 points
Focus Lock-On Parameter: Don't know how to view this one

Adjust white balance, set white pont, curve to lighten, crop, NR and sharpen.

The original was underexpose a bit, I was shooting on a bridge and sometimes when I follow these guy in the view finder they ended up in the shadow of the bridge.

Went to have fun with these birds again this morning. Still need a lot of practice, the keeper rate was very low and at the end I have to remote the TC to help with focusing. This one seem to be focus more at the wing rather than the eye, so I sharpen the eye more than the wing. How is the HA, does it seem a bit turning away from the viewer?

All comments and suggestions are welcome.

Edit: Replace image with a warmer tone.

[Gail Spitler]

Thanaboon - This is a lovely study in grays. The bg colors balance with the bird so well. As an overhead shot, you can see the structure of the feathers in flight - quite interesting. I don't understand the small v-shaped piece protruding from the left wing? Do you know what it is?
In terms of the image, I don't know if the overhead angle does the BIF justice; it feels a bit like the image loses a little of its dynamic possibilities. Does the whole bird seem a bit soft - or is it my eyes so early in the morning.

Nice to have a good spot to practice doing in-flight images; especially with the birds passing so close.

Cheers
Gail

[Thanaboon Jearkjirm]

The v-shape was part of the feet, the rest of the legs and feet are hid away under the wing.

The image does look soft, lots more practice is on the way :)

[Lance Peters]

Hi - agree with Gail - does look a tad soft - maybe some more DOF would help also.
The overhead angle works for me - maybe not as good as from under but still OK - good HA and eye contact.
Looking forward to seeing more.

Might be worth mentioning your focus mode when you post the next one - just so people can see what you are dong to get the results :)

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Nice capture and I like the wingspread. Looks to have a bit of a yellow cast to it. Just curious as to what the little feather is on the bottom sticking out from underneath the wing? Anyways good job Thanaboon.

[Gus Cobos]

Very nice capture Thanaboon, agree with has been said might also consider sharpening the eye just a tad more...:cool:

[Desmond Chan]

Despite what have been said, this is a pretty image, IMO. I like the feel of it !

[Alfred Forns]

I like it a lot as presented !!!

With some lighting condition you are not going to make razor sharp images, need the contrast. As presented the slight softness gives a special look and feel !! ... sometimes mood takes over !!! Excellent !!!