Razorbill from Machias Seal Island

[Grady Weed]

Of all the birds here in Maine, this is one has been the most difficult to photograph. No flash is allowed on in the blinds. So you are dependent on great light, the perfect head turn and dead on exposure. To date after 3 trips and hundreds of pictures, this is my best. And I wish it were better. I just thought I would share this one. Critique if you wish or give suggestions for improvement. All comments are welcomed.

Canon EOS 5D, Shooting Date/Time 7/23/2007 09:20:46, Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/1000Sec. Av(Aperture Value) F7.1, Evaluative metering Exposure Compensation 0, ISO 320, Lens EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM +2.0x, Focal Length 600.0 mm.

I did not have the MK2n then, and I was very excited to go on the particular day we were there. Near perfect weather, overcast with slight breaks in the clouds and warm sun at times. Sun was to my left and almost at my side. I can't wait to go this year and get better ones. I will focus on them first, then Common Murres, then Puffins.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I'm a big fan of alcids and have not been to Machias yet. I like the pose, details and exposure, and just wish for a head turn toward you. I might get rid of the dark spot in the upper right and mabye the yellowish one above the bill.

[George DeCamp]

Nice one Grady! The BG is nice and muted and sets the bird off really well. A slight head turn would kick it up a notch.

[Steve Wheeler]

What a beautiful and unusual bird. I too like the BG and a head turn would've been nice but hey... It don't always happen the way we think it should does it. Great exposure too.

Steve

[Don Lacy]

Very nice image Grady, the exposer is good with nice detail in the blacks.

[Len Maltese]

Well done Grady. Minor nits already mentioned.

[Arthur Morris]

Well done Grady. Minor nits already mentioned.

Len, An improper head angle as here is not a minor thing... Images with the bird's head turned away are rarely successful. Folks have got to learn to be more aware of head angle; probably 50% or more of the avian images posted on BPN have poor (at best) head angles...

Love the light and the BKGR. Would crop from the bottom and from the left.

later and love, artie

[Gayle Clement]

Beautiful, Grady. I really like the detail in the blacks. I know you plan to go back again, seeking that perfect head angle, but this is a really nice one until then.

[Taylor Yeager]

Great job Grady. You going to go there again this year?

Taylor

[Grady Weed]

Arts statement to Lens is true. And I do appreciate your input, everyones. I will be going back this year, and every year until they shut it down. Which I hope does not happen. you really have to go there and concentrate on just one species if possible to get the great shots. And you must go at least 4 or 5 times before you can say you photographed it all or got what you wanted. If that is possible. :)