Spoonbill Preening

[Blake Shadle]

This image was made a couple weekends ago in Tampa Bay, via the Hooptie Duex.

Shooting Solution
Camera: Nikon D200
Lens: Sigma 500 f/4.5 + 1.4XTC (700mm)
Manual Exposure, 1/2000 @ f/6.3
ISO 400, 4th Gen M2.3 head on Gitzo 1410 legs

Thanks for looking!

Comments welcomed and very much appreciated ;)

[Maxis Gamez]

Hey Blake. Did you put this one in your gallery?? Looks awesome. I have a VERY similar image.

The pose is very classic, the light is simply amazing and what I like the best is the separation from the BG.

Congrats!

[John Cooper]

Wow!! that is one beautiful image Blake. The detail and tonal variations in the plumage is just outstanding!!

[Fabs Forns]

That is gorgeous, Overlord, proud of you :)

[Harold Davis]

that's a beauty, blake!

[Juan Aragonés]

Great pose, colours and light with a very nice BG and angle. I think that a little more room at the left would improve the overall composition and in my monitor, the pink feathers of the mantle looks slightly soft but it is a minor detail.

[Jim Poor]

Nicely done. Two days till FL! :D

[Glenn Bartley]

Very nice. These guys are just so vibrant.

[Blake Shadle]

Great pose, colours and light with a very nice BG and angle. I think that a little more room at the left would improve the overall composition and in my monitor, the pink feathers of the mantle looks slightly soft but it is a minor detail.

Thanks, Juan. The feather softness is probably the result of lazy noise reduction (I didn't use selective noise reduction) :)

[Bill Foxworthy]

Very nice Spoonie image Blake.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wow Blake, good one all around. Such a clean presentation.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Stunning image Blake with wonderful color, detail and lighting. The pose is over the top !!! Wish it were mine , < smile >

[Stephen Stephen]

Great image Blake. Love the pose and the red eye just POPS!

[Gayle Clement]

This bird looks like it's dressed in organdy. Beautiful color and detail in the wings. I even love that leg!

[Linda Robbins]

Beautiful image Blake! I've been out on the all new Hooptie Duex twice so far this season and got scads of stunning images of the spoonies. Your Dad is amazing at getting on these birds, and the new boat is great for photography. He makes it easy! I was disappointed that you couldn't make it last time due to work!