Purple Sandpiper

[denise ippolito]

Canon 40D
500mm +1.4 ex
1/800 sec. at f/8
ISO 400
Tripod

Taken at Barnegat on Friday morning while shooting with Artie, Axel and Michael:).
I have a lot of other shots that show the feet-but I liked this one that looked like it was swimming. I had to add a little canvas to the top.
PS-Shooting with Art Morris...priceless

[Arthur Morris]

:) Hey, you guys killed me with this one. I got a less than ideal frame or two by the time I joined the party (and scared the bird away!) Glad that you guys did so well before I got there. Do post your best one showing the feet below.

I love this one; you guys did a great job of getting in perfect position right down sun angle. Love the head angle, the swimming look, and the rock on the right that balances the composition. BTW all, this is the same bird featured in my post immediately below.

[Laura James]

I like with the legs covered, the turbulance in the water in the foreground is wonderful. Was the end of the beak in different light, seems darker at the end, not a problem, just observation.

[denise ippolito]

Here is one showing the feet

[Bill Dix]

Denise - Both are gorgeous shots. Hard to choose (but why choose). Both have lovely light. The first has exquisite detail, and beautiful swirling water, so I see why you posted it. The orange legs are a signature element of this guy, and the second has a wonderfully framed composition. So double congratulations are due!

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Denise. Love the 2nd one too. As I said, you guys killed me on this one. And yes, the light is much nicer than in my "sunny" version below. Just for the record books, what time on your two?

Laura, the distal end of the bill of this species grades darker.

[denise ippolito]

Artie, Thanks for the kind words. The data says 9:27 am. :)

[Arthur Morris]

YAW Denise. And thanks for the time. That was only 20 minutes before my "sunny" image below. Shows what being very close to sun angle and a pleasing background can do to the "quality of light" which is supposed to be independent of factors like those two (but is not!)

[Phil Ertel]

Hi Denise, I also prefer the second image (although the first is also pleasing). I like the composition and how the rocks frame the bird. Good eye contact and details. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Cool image, I have one that looks almost identical, just a slightly lower angle. I might post it later just for fun.

Did you make it lighter in post-processing? I had 0 EC, too, but it looks a bit darker, I didn't change the exposure in post-processing.

[denise ippolito]

Axel, I did a few color and lighting tweaks, but just a little. I could have left it but felt it gave it just a bit of pop. I didn't want to post mine w/ the feet since you had already posted a similar-but I liked the "swimming pose" and decided it was a bit different from yours. You had a better angle and my crop factor got me a bit tighter than you. I couldn't get the ext. off w/ my frozen hands so I didn't even try. I hope you post yours. It's fun to see what I could have done better or differently.:) Did I hear you say something about a road trip?:p

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Axel, I did a few color and lighting tweaks, but just a little. I could have left it but felt it gave it just a bit of pop. I didn't want to post mine w/ the feet since you had already posted a similar-but I liked the "swimming pose" and decided it was a bit different from yours. You had a better angle and my crop factor got me a bit tighter than you. I couldn't get the ext. off w/ my frozen hands so I didn't even try. I hope you post yours. It's fun to see what I could have done better or differently.:) Did I hear you say something about a road trip?:p

I'm not sure about the better part, I probably just did a little bit less tweaking. The iris in yours looks a bit light for my taste, though. :)

Road trip? Which one? I just visited a local field and hoped to find some snow buntings, they were neither cooperative nor numerous, the larks were there in good numbers.

[denise ippolito]

Axel, A road trip to Mass.:)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Axel, A road trip to Mass.:)

Oh, that one. :) I might visit friends and go to Cape Ann or Cape Cod.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

beautiful warm light,details,angle

[Ofer Levy]

The second image is fantastic! Maybe toning down the white feathers on the belly.

[Paul Lagasi]

Both images show just how hardy these little shorebirds are...last to come down from the north..both images are lovely, second one showing feet is perfect, light, exposure and sharpness...hope to get down there soon...TFS

[arash_hazeghi]

Very beautiful Denise, love both of them. Congrats

[Marina Scarr]

Both captures are lovely. On the first, I think I'd prefer seeing a bit off the bottom. The second post is my favorite. The bird just pops off my screen. Only wish for a bit more canvas all around. but I"m thinking you didn't have the option.

[denise ippolito]

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I really do appreciate you all taking the time to comment.
Marina, Thanks for your comments, much appreciated. Since the bird was actually standing and not swimming in the first image -I left room for his feet. At least those were my thoughts:)
The second image- you are right, that was full frame as shot. But I could add canvas ...but would prefer not to.:);)

[James Salywoda]

Both images are great Denise that bird sure is fluffed up keeping warm really nicely captured as always....

[Harshad Barve]

Both images are too good Denise , first one is my choice
TFS

[Kiran Poonacha]

Stunning image madam, loved it...

[Krijn Trimbos]

Hi Denise,
Lovely little birds these are! Nice colours, setting, HA, LA ( light angle) and relaxed posture. Both are great shots in my book, but if you go for the first post I would crop a little of the top. Congrats

[denise ippolito]

Thankyou all for your comments and taking the time to look. Krijn, I think you are right about a sliver off the top. Thanks

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Denise....both are awesome in their own way. But if someone were to hold a gun to my head, I'll pick the second one :-)

[denise ippolito]

Thankyou Kaustubh, I appreciate it.