Resting loon

[allanrube]

I following a pair of loons with a youngster for quite some time. After they got really used to my presence one decided to rest. Eye looks a bit weird but that is the way it was.

D300s 300 f/4 with 1.4 tc
1/1250 f/6.3 with -2.0 EC; (auto) iso 400.

[Scott Frye]

Very nice detail in the blacks on the head. You said "-2.0 EC (auto)" -- I have not seen auto EC before -- I would crop a bit off the bottom (just above the name)

[allanrube]

I like the crop as is but I can see what you are getting at (I think) - getting rid of some green?

The (auto) goes with the iso. Sorry about that confusion - I will edit the post.

[Randy Stout]

Allan:

A bit different for a sleeping pose, they often tuck the bill under a wing, so you can't see it, with just the eye peeking out enough for them to check out things.
Perhaps this one was so tired out from chick duties, that it just passed out.

For personal taste, I would leave the crop as is.

Looks like a good exposure, as the balance between whites and darks looks good. I am on my old laptop, backup, so not good for critical determinations.

And yes, their eyes do look funky when closed.

Randy

[Paul Randall]

I like the crop as presented, great detail on that head and an interesting pose too, nice stuff:)

[Joerg Rockenberger]

I love the subject and the detail shown. Eye looks a bit strange but if that's how it was I think it's okay. The green/blue pattern in the background though is a bit distracting to me and I am wondering if the loon is a tad too bright - or just taken in pretty bright conditions. In case of the latter, great job handling the harsh light.

Best, JR

[allanrube]

JR, it was this bright. The pond is in a recess with hills and tall tress on the east side. By the time the sun reaches the pond it is quite high in the sky.

I set my Nikon on high active d-lighting, set ec generally between -1.3 and 2.0. I usually use m ore d-lighting when I process the raw images in Nikon NX.