The best strategy for photographing plovers is often to let them approach you. They are constantly scanning the beach for prey and will pay little attention to you if you aren't moving. This individual approached me as I was photographing a group of gulls. At one point it came within minimum focusing distance.
I was hoping for a bit of a head turn here, but this guy didn't feel like cooperating.
50D, 100-400 lens at 400mm
1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400
Handheld
He looks like he is marching to me. The pose, shooting angle, and even the head angle contributes to this feeling. I like it.
Nice comp, balance of FG and BG for me.
I might try very slightly reducing the luminosity of the wave /surf in front of the bird, just a bit distracting. Like the feel/environmental connection of having it there, just tone it down a bit.
Interesting how the wave behind doesn't catch my eye, as nearly as much as the one ahead. I think it is because the flow of the image is all towards the left side, and our eyes follow his direction of movement and head pointing.
The subtle details about image composition and design are some of my favorite things about photography.
Very nice image Aidan. The bird has great posture - I don't mind the HA either. I am going to disagree with Randy - I quite like the luminous blues in the background - there is a nice overall tone to the image. Was the foreground altered in PP? I ask, because the transition on the sand from out-of-focus to in-focus on the left side of the image looks quite abrupt.
Hey Aidan, what a stately walking posture, and I like the low perspective. The pastel colours of the surf look good, and maybe a little more room behind.
Black Bellied Plover
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