Neotropic Cormorant

[Ian Cassell]

Canon 7D
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L
1/800sec f/6.3 ISO 800

Levels, sharpening, dodged the eye, and cloned some small branches in CS5

[Kerry Perkins]

Ian, I love the pose and the feet wrapped around the perch. For my eye, I would prefer to see the bird moved to the left in the frame. You don't need to be as concerned about centering your subject when doing vertical crops! Judging by the shadows I would guess that this was late afternoon?. The contrasty light has resulted in a loss of detail in both whites and blacks. I would definitely tone down the bright part of the bill, the perch, and the leaves. I like your work with the 400mm lens, really makes you get in close!

[Ian Cassell]

Thanks, Kerry. Yes, those perching web feet crack me up. This was actually early morning, soon after sunrise. I guess he picked the one branch that was in full sun on which to warm up. I actually toned the bill down, but will work on it some more.

I love this lens (I bought it a while back from Arash, but he forgot to include his skill in the package). Since I can't afford something longer, I work to get in close. I don't object, because it improves my fieldcraft, but still I covet a 500/4 (which isn't going to happen in the forseeable future unless powerball comes through).

[WIlliam Maroldo]

Nice composition, but the harsh light wasn't doing you any favors. I know you don't have much choice with that light in Arizona, and shooting early and having the sun at your back would be your only hope. I was wondering if you have ever tried using a flash unit under these lighting condition?
I think it is a double-crested cormorant, not that it matters.
regards~Bill

[Brendan Dozier]

Great looking cormorant and nice pose, Ian. Got to love those big ole webbed feet hanging on to the perch! Agree, about the light being harsh, but still nice capture.