Pectoral sandpiper closeup

[Grace Scalzo]

This was a thrill for me tonight and I hope I got the id right...a new bird for me. Was lying on a sand flat as the tide receded and this bird walked right up to me. I could wish for more dof to get the legs in focus, but I'm not going to fret over that right now. Such a gorgeous subject, I hope I did him (or her) justice. Nearly full frame, lost a bit when I rotated 1 degree.

1/400, f 5.6. ISO400
Canon 500 f4 + 1.4tc + lowered tripod

[Tom Wilberding]

Congrats, Grace. I like the dusky background. Beautiful light, warm color. The bird seems to have a friendly and curious look, very appealing. I miss the feet, but maybe that gives the bird a bit of personality--fearless, stomping right up to you.

[sandy richards]

Grace, perfect light! Nice detail and BG.

[Alfred Forns]

Good looking bird Grace, low angles have a particularly appealing look !! Might just lighten a bit? Sweet light and fine capture !!

[Harshad Barve]

excellent pose , compo and light here
TFS

[Fabs Forns]

Gorgeous light and very good detail in the plumage. Your EXP is right on and the missing foot is the price we pay for a low angle. Congrats on getting a life bird :)

[Craig Brelsford]

Sweet light, good exposure, great angle. Agree with Fabs, loss of feet is the price, and a worthy one, to pay for the angle. Also understand your DOF dilemma. Sandpipers don't like to stand still; you therefore needed to open up.

[Jim Fenton]

They are pretty subjects Grace :)

The light looks underexposed to me on this one and the DOF and head turn way, even with the catchlight take away from the image for me.

The great news is you got a lifer!

[denise ippolito]

Grace, I like the low angle and the way you have framed this. I might lighten the image a little if it were mine. Beautiful background colors and the details look good. Congrats and well captured!:)

[Stu Bowie]

Sweet light Grace, and the low angle works so well. Lovely BG, and I would maybe try and lighten the eye if possible.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Grace, I do like the light and the exposure. no need to lighten IMO. And I dont mind the shallow DOF as well. beautifuly done. Thx for sharing.

[Craig Brelsford]

Grace, your sandpiper made me think of a stint that I photographed late one afternoon in May. The thread is called "Red-necked stint, Shanghai."

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Lovely Grace and I am enjoying all your shorebird images of late - haven't have much time to comment recently :(
Best regards,
Nicki

[Michael Stern]

I like everything about this photo....wonderful....
Mike

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks everyone, appreciate all your comments!