Keeping an eye on me

[Randy Stout]

Another loon from my recent trip. The mom and chick got so used to me that they took a snooze near by. I just sat quietly, and occasionally mom would open an eye to be sure everything was safe for her chick.

I found the image peaceful but engaging.

D300 500mm f/4 at f/7.1 TC14 ISO 400 1/1000s pedestal mounted in my boat

Post: CS4 PS curves, selective sharpening, small crop for comp.

Advice always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Jim Buescher]

The loon looks very at ease giving a sense of tranquility to the image. Sharpness, comp., exposure all done well. I might clone out the vertical, white line in the reflection.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like this one alot, Randy. Very serene. Great comp. I too would remove the vertical white, and perhaps also the pale line behind the loon.

[Stu Bowie]

Serenity at its best Randy. Comp works well, and I feel you have done exceptionally well with the exposure. Great eye - stands out nicely against the dark green plumage.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks guys;

The vertical line in the reflection is caused by the catchlight being distorted. I have seen it on several of my low angle shots. I debated about removing it.
The horizontal line is a water ripple. I really liked it in the original, uncropped version, it seemed to add some depth to the image, but agree that it is less effective here.

Thanks

Randy

[Grace Scalzo]

I like it too Randy for the reasons that you stated. The green water is so pretty too. I keep looking at it and thinking it may need a very slight ccw? And some nr on the background.