Willet at sunset

[Bill Dix]

D90; 80-400 VR @ 330mm. ISO 200, f/6.3 @ 1/500s. Matrix metering @ -1.0 EV. HH.

Taken 15 minutes before sunset last month on Blind Pass beach. Cropped from horizontal (full-height). Removed a few shells and a small sand pile above the bird. Curious to know if viewers think the leg shadow is distracting. C&C appreciated.

[Allen Sparks]

Really like the soft light and I like the shell in front too. One of the first things I noticed was the leg shadows but I guess they are a natural part of the scene.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the warm light, eye contact and the shell adds to it. The sand looks unevenly sharpened, and it appears as if the critical focus is in front of the bird. I might also try to lighten the iris.

[Bill Dix]

I like the warm light, eye contact and the shell adds to it. The sand looks unevenly sharpened, and it appears as if the critical focus is in front of the bird. I might also try to lighten the iris.

Thanks for commenting, Axel. I can't explain the look of the sand. I sharpened the bird and the shell, but not the sand, so I'm not sure what caused that effect. Nikon ViewNX shows the focus point on the cheek immediately below the eye. I'm never sure whether to trust that software; I've been meaning to try a calibration test of the focus point but haven't done so.

[arash_hazeghi]

Very beautiful Bill, I think the sharpness is just fine however the image is compressed and there are JPEG artifacts in the sand area. If you can post a larger file. pose and everything else is great and the shell really adds to the ambiance :)

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Nice one Bill love the pose and great eye. Wonderful use of soft light, nice timing and like the shell.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Arash and Jeff. I appreciate the kind words.