Spot light on Common Loon

[Randy Stout]

Another one from northern Michigan. One of those magical mornings, good light, calm, cooperative birds. The forecast had been for wind, I almost didn't go (getting up at 4 AM can get old) but was rewarded for the trip.

D700 500mm f/4 TC 14 1/2500s f/7.1 ISO 1000 manual exposure pedestal mounted in my boat
Post : CS4 PS curves selective sharpening 2% crop off right side (edge of juvi cropped out)

I am curious what you think of the reflection? I tried cropping up from the bottom to eliminate the eye, but didn't like the balance of the image. Thoughts?

Cheers

Randy

[Fabs Forns]

Absolutely stunning light and colors. The pose of the head looking up has a inspirational mood and love the green reflected on the blacks of the head. Sure with getting up for!

[Jim Fenton]

What a difference between the D700 and 300s at ISO 1000...but (I already knew that :)

Love the colors, the exposure and the subtle beauty.

I know the feeling about setting the alarm for 4:00 pal :)

[Keith Carver]

A wonderfully mystical low-angle image, Randy, worth setting the alarm. I love the play of first light off the bird and calm water. You nailed the exposure, very hard to do with those bright breast feathers and deep blacks, but certainly easier in early morning light. I like the reflection as you have it, with black fading into black at the bottom. Congrats!

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the low angle details and nice BG, although the reflection isn't strong I'd be tempted to keep it all of it.

[Doug Brown]

The crop works just fine for me. Those loons look great on that emerald-green water! You nailed your exposure and sharpness.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Randy,
Killer light and color!!! I'm actually fine with the eye in.....as it isn't so sharp to detract.....it actually gives the sense of movement. Glad to see you were rewarded for the early am wakeup!

[Gary Esman]

Nice shot Randy! Beautiful bird.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone. Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time!

Cheers

Randy

[Hendri Venter]

I like this. The sharpness is outstanding and the green coloured water very nice too.