Sandhill

[Dave Leroy]

I interrupted the bird's breaky for this shot. Centre focus point is just on base of bill and I cropped all around for this look. I also had a version with a reduced shadow and preferred this one. 50D, 50mm at f/5.6, 1/640, ISO400 and EC+1/3

Dave

[Callie de Wet]

Love that plum/maroon plumage on the forehead, it has a life of its own. A lovely Mugshot.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like the pose, comp, and BG. I actually like the messy bill in this case as it lets the viewer know it was feeding. I would, however, see if the bright reflections on said bill could be toned down and would remove the white "string" between the eye and bill. Although I don't mind the shadow along the neck I do find the blue cast on it quite strong. Try destaurating the blue and cyan channels and see if you like it. I suppose you meant 500mm?

[Aiden Blake]

Nice portrait. This must have been shot out at Reifel eh? Also, I noticed you were pretty close for a 50mm shot. Any time I've been that close there they run at me with their beaks trying to maim me!

The details look very sharp, but I would agree with the blue shadow being too strong. Just desaturate that area a bit.

[Arthur Morris]

With the filthy beak, the dirty chin, and the rather harsh side lighting, this one does not work for me. The plusses are the COMP and the SH.

[Jeff Parker]

What is SH?

[Mark Adkins]

Like the composition, head angle and sharpness on the eye. Agree with comments on harsh side light and blue cast on the neck. I guess I am OK with the messy beak.

[Dave Leroy]

Thanks for comments and yes, definitely a 500mm lens, and yes it was taken at Riefel.
And thanks for comments about the blue cast of shadows. I switched to a lap top and everything seems cool even after calibrating.
Dave

[Arthur Morris]

What is SH?

SH = sharpness.

[Arthur Morris]

ps: I would not mind the messy beak as a story-teller if the light were much softer.

[Dave Leroy]

Thanks Artie.
I don't think it is harsh light as much as my pp'n and perhaps monitor.
The messy beak was not meant to be the story behind this photo, but of course my intent was the bird was to be the story. We are able to get very close the 10 to 20 or so that live in and around the sanctuary. I had just taken a couple shots of a pair of these Sandhills on my path, walked carefully by them and preferred the shadowy look from this side.
Thanks again for the second look and comment. It is much appreciated.
Dave

[Arthur Morris]

YAW. You are of course free to choose your light angle and subjects as you wish.