Ken - love this species, I need to find the closest spot to Nashville and plan a photo shoot. Lot's to talk about. First, I would crop the foreground wave at the bottom. It catches the eye and the foreground items should anchor the image not distract from the subject. The rule of thirds comes into play here as well. Generally speaking we move the main subject from the middle of the frame. The light angle could be improved but you did managed to illuminate the eye area - nice job. I agree on focus comments, could be sharper but not bad.
You are on the right track, this is a nice moment in the life of nature and you captured it well. Keep posting and improving, that's what we all do. Feel free to visit the Education and Tutorial Forum for helpful threads. Two that come to mind are, "Rule Of thirds" and "Why Don't My Nature Pictures Look Like That". I have read them both and revisit this area from time to time. Please keep em coming.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 09-05-2011 at 07:47 PM.
Thanks for the helpful comments. Pine Point and Scarborough Marsh are "hotspots"on the south coast of Maine. I believe the Godwits visit in small numbers each year. There were Whimbrels there that day as well. I had left the wave in on purpose but see what you mean. Here is a new version. Thanks.
The sharpness looks alright to me, at least in this presentation. Love the pose, the hint of environment in the background, light seem to be coming from the side but you did well here. I like the re-post too. There seem to be a bit of halo at the body, maybe from sharpening, I might try to use brush and mask the edge of the body to help with the halo.
Not a particularly easy species to get in New England.
I might have to spend some time in southern Maine next season.
Sharpness looks good to me.
Jeff made some good points regarding the composition but I think the repost could use a bit more room at the bottom to give some breathing room for the virtual feet.
Looks like it could also use some CCW rotation to level the water.
The biggest issue with the image IMO is the light angle resulting in the deep shadows on the front of the bird.
Fill flash may have helped a bit but the best remedy would have been to move your location so that the bird would be more evenly lit.
Also, a bit less of a head turn would have illuminated the eye better.
Thanks Mike
This is a shot of the same bird from a little different angle with less shadow. It was late afternoon side lighting and my options to move were limited. I think the water drop adds some interest also.
You have side lighting working against you here.
1. I would get even lower
2. Filled flash to diffuse the harsh shadow, a tiny bit of flash would have the subject lit more evenly.
Marbled Godwit
