Takeoff!!

[Ricardo Rodriguez]

This is a skimmer chick attempting to fly. Made this image late afternoon (hence the long shadow) while kneeling in the sand about a month ago near the Suncoast Bird Sanctuary in Clearwater, Florida.

Nikon D3S, 70-200 f/2.8 + 2x TC (at 400mm), HH
ISO 1600, f/11, 1/1600

Thanks for your comments

[Ben Harris]

Wow, great behavior shot. You can tell it really, really, really wants to fly. Great exposure, feels a little soft around the eyes, though.

[Ricardo Rodriguez]

Thanks, Ben. Yes, alas, the eye and beak are a bit soft, but my hope was that the pose and the wing detail would make the image worth seeing. Btw, the flight attempt was unsuccessful.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Ricardo - the image is worth seeing - love the take off pose. Exposure looks good.
Looks to me like the point of focus may be on the wings rather than the head/eye - not enough DOF to have both in focus.
Might have tried laying flat on the ground and shooting for this one.
Keep em coming :)

[David Israel]

Hi Ricardo, I would agree with Lance that the image is indeed worth seeing. I love that big stretch. You can just see that desire to launch. A nicely exposed image.

Also love your quote by Henri Cartier-Bresson!


Dave

[Dave Mills]

Ricardo, good light with a very interesting wing position. Wished for a lower angle and a sharp head.
Good job capturing the action....

[Ricardo Rodriguez]

Thanks, guys. As usual, I agree with you. I need to go on my belly more often!

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Ricard It is a nice image and an keeper in my book Lance nail the comment about the point of focus but I think another USM pass will make a difference !!! ... sweet quality at that ISO !!!

[Desmond Chan]

This fellow doesn't even have all the flight feathers grown and is trying to fly already??

Great catch !!

[Ricardo Rodriguez]

Thanks, Al and Desmond. OK, Al, I'll give it another round of sharpening.