Keep it or Lose it ?

[James Salywoda]

Forster's Tern
Southern California

This is one of those shots that when I saw it on the back of the camera I said to myself I nailed it and its sharp. But the next thing you do is look for the eye contact. And as you see its lacking but my question is when do you decide its still worth it because of other qualities you like about it . And for me its the dramatics of the pose as I'm drawn to it and find it intriguing without it. I'm interested in other peoples thoughts about it.:) Keep it or Lose it?


Nikon D300s AFS 600 F4
1/2500 F7.1 ISO 500

[Grace Scalzo]

James, the lack of eye contact here does not bother me one bit. Love the topside view, the calling pose, and the fine details. Wish the feathers were in a bit better shape but nothing you could do about that. A definite keeper, by my standards.

[Fabs Forns]

I don't think eye contact is an absolute requirement. Animals need to do their thing and are not models. Obviously, he's concentrating on something and that to me is as valid as having him look at me. Just my opinion.
Well exposed and terrific pose, Love the colors in the BG. If you decide not to keep it, I'll take it!

[Kiran Poonacha]

Its Beautiful James Bhai, great processing, loved the two tone BG.. great details and the open beak with that pose works great...

[Lana Hays]

James
Fabs couldn't have said it any better. Not every image fits the "standard" mold. The bird is focused on something other than you.....that's bird behavior. I love it.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

I love it too and I'd be thrilled to have this is my collection. I agree that eye contact is not at all a prerequisite... and that BG is awesome :)

[James Salywoda]

Thanks everyone for the feedback....:)

[Matthew Studebaker]

Are you kidding? Is it even a question? KEEP IT! Love this shot. Not every shot has to have perfect eye contact (and this looks near perfect to me). Like you said, this has more than enough redeeming qualities to be kept - great background, super dynamic pose, sharp. Love it. Keep it.

[Aidan Briggs]

I agree with Matthew 100%. This one's a no brainer for me. I would love to have a Forster's tern image this nice. The HA is just a hair off anyway.

Well Done!

[Chris van Rooyen]

James, this is certainly a keeper. I'd be proud to have it in my collection - great light and posture, and perfect shutter speed for the occasion.

[Gal Shon]

Agree with Fabs and Matthew.
Plus I think that there is eye contact, plenty of it... the HA is not perfect, but with this beauty I couldn't care less...
BG, pose, light and sharpness are great.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Cool pose and angle and my first reaction was similar to Matthew's. :)

[Bill Dix]

Definitely a keeper in my book. Love the wing and tail positions, and the head and open beak beautifully framed. Spent this morning trying to photograph terns, and would have been thrilled to come up with this.

[denise ippolito]

Beautiful sharp details and a keeper for sure! Well done.:)

[Gen Benjamin]

I say throw it away, then my shots will look a lot better:)
Kidding of course, as has been said this is a wonderful image and the lack of eye contact does not take one bit away in fact i think it adds to this image.
Gen

[adrian dancy]

If you have to ask the question I hate to think what you have binned!

[Doug Brown]

Keep it!

[Ofer Levy]

This is a stunning image! You should frame it.

[James Salywoda]

Thanks Again for the feedback. I knew I liked the shot but liked the opinion of others.:)