Glossy Ibis

[Joel Eade]

Another image from my one day excursion with Capt. James Shadle on Tampa Bay

EOS 1D MKIII
500mm + 1.4TC
Evaluative metering +2/3 stops
ISO 400
1/1250
f/5.6
Tripod, Wimberly head

ACR and CS4

I like the wing extension and iridesence but I wish I had aimed a little lower and got a little more of the image below the bird's feet. Should I crop the shadow out?

[John Chardine]

Hi Joel- The pose of this bird cries out for a title "Ole"!

The image nicely shows the plurplish-black plumage colouration of the species. I think the shadow adds some interest and the BG is pretty nice (maybe remove the larger white spots). I think the bird needs a bit more room below- notice the toes are very close to the edge. Also because the bird's right wing is such a strong element I keep thinking a bit more room to the left would be useful, and it would give some balance to the large amount of room on the right.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Joel - agree with johns points re more space bottom and left. I would leave the shadow in - IMHO.
Exposure looks good and some nice detail in the blacks. Outstretched wing looks good.
Like it!

[Arthur Morris]

Good self critique on the need for more room below. I like the balletic pose esp the bird's right wing. Love the white marks on the neck. "Cropping" the shadow would not be possible unless you cut off a good part of the bird....

[Julie Kenward]

Joel, this is beautifully balanced in the frame and I think you'd lose that without the shadow being there. Awesome pose and I also love that irridescent look to the underwing. Nicely done!