I love the image because I sat for hours over two mornings at the proper tide trying to get it BUT....
Just before I captured this, the fog rolled in lightly even though it was exceedingly bright. I was down low and using fill flash as I knew from the day before that many times in this spot at this time of day when the tide was right, the heads would be in shadow from the outstretched adults wings.
I had to do a fair bit of shadow highlights, dodging and selective color adjustments to get the chicks head and adults bill looking remotely decent lighting wise. I would have liked more of the adults head but after watching this for two days, when they fly in and land to feed quickly, it happens in one quick instant and the wing is almost always positioned forward when the exchange takes place.
So....I like it but I'm not happy with the lighting, thrilled that I got the pose I wanted and I thought I'd ask others what they think??????
As Artie says...don't be shy!
Nikon D300s, 600VR, ISO 640, f6.3, 1/4000 CW metering, 0 EV, active d lighting on normal, SB800 fill flash, -2EV on flash
Last edited by Jim Fenton; 08-28-2011 at 05:58 PM.
Yes, Jim, it works. First of all, its a very unique capture. You can't see the adult's face, but you see the bill which and the transfer which is enough to tell the story. I love the way the wings are outstretched almost as to protect its young, and the adult's tail is up. The beach is nice and clean and I like the comp. You did a good job in PS. Looks to me as though your hard work in and off the field has paid off.
Works very well for me Jim. The comp is well balanced and flows nicely. From your description the image went through heavy-ish PP recovery, but turned out quite nice!
Works for me. I share your frustration, having tried to capture a similar action a few weeks ago. Love the upraised wing over the juvi. Great work with the flash, and the PP. Halo noted.