Balancing Act

[Stu Bowie]

This white breasted cormorant had just landed, and he realized there wasnt much perch to play with. Taken at a birding spot in Cape Town. I cloned out the bit of perch above his tail. It looked like it was going through him.

Canon 50D
100-400@ 400mm
1/3200
F/6.3
ISO 640

Exp Comp +0.33
Hand Held

[Randy Stout]

Stuart:

I like the pose, perch and background. I can see where you did the cloning of the branch, but might not have noticed it if not mentioned. I like the green sheen on the torso.

I know the whites on the bill and chest aren't blown in this image, but there isn't a lot of detail showing in those areas. Did you need to do some recovery there? It isn't easy to balance the dynamic range on this type of bird in fairly bright light!

Cheers

Randy

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the captured moment, sharpness and BG, the harsh light made this difficult and I wish there were no shadow of the wing on the head. I agree regarding toning down the highlights more.

[denise ippolito]

Stuart, Nice sharp details and agree w/ the lighting looking harsh. BG looks good.

[Vida van der Walt]

Stu, great pose and I love the little curl of the wing tip. Pin sharp and great detail esp in the blacks.:)

[Grace Scalzo]

The harsh light was not your friend here, but I do like the "balancing act" and think that you did as well as you could under these conditions.

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you so much guys and girls. Wth regards to the light, this was taken at 6.23pm late afternoon.

Randy, I did have to do some recovery on the bill. They are always difficult to get right the first time.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Stu - love the pose and you got good exposure. We both know in this part of the world 6pm is still harsh light with the sun setting at 20h30 ;)

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I like it bro. Light does look a little strong but I am ok with it. You guys in SA must get the same heavy duty sun we do in OZ. :) Well done, nice action captured. :)

[Stu Bowie]

Mork, Akos, thanks a stack for your comments. Always appreciated.