Skipping along

[wendell westfall]

D90 70-200VR+2X@210 1/3200 f/7.1 ISO400 -1 2/3EV handheld

The image was taken one week ago in pretty strong sunlight. The antics of this Great Blue Heron reminded me of a Reddish Egret. You can see by the muddy feet that the water was shallow, but here he was completely airborne. I was forced to this crop because I had no more to the right (I didn't want to add it in the PP). Minor adjustments in LR3 only.

Wendell

[Joel Eade]

You did well with harsh light, exposure and detail is very nice and the mid-air pose is cool. Would have been nice if you could have gotten a lower angle on this one.

It could benefit from less room on the left and more on the right as you suggested. Also perhaps remove some of debris at the bottom, and the reflectiont on the edge of the frame.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Wendell,

Joel did a good job hitting some of the main points. For me it is too tight and angle is high. HA might be away from the lens and eye could be clearer. Where was point of focus. Do you use center sensor or ring of fire. On balance, I do like the behavior and for that you get bonus points. I like the title too, he does appear to be skipping. Keep em coming Wendell. I like the simple subject and clear background. Composition is improving.

[Ronald Zigler]

A wonderful picture. I agree with the comments above. Perhaps more space in front of the bird would accentuate the action of the bird by showing more of the space it is moving toward.

[wendell westfall]

Thanks all . . .
Joel: I didn't notice the reflection on the bottom edge
Jeff: I use Continuous AF (AF-C) focus. OK, I'll brighten up the eye.
Ronald: Welcome! You will like it here. And you will learn a lot. Yes, I should and will add a bit more space on the right side for him to skip into.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Thanks, I meant where on the body did you focus - thanks.

[wendell westfall]

Jeff, I don't remember exactly, but hopping and skipping as the heron was doing, I imagine I was just trying to get the entire bird in the frame . . .

[Kerry Perkins]

Wedell, I'm pretty sure you know what I will say about this one - mostly covered by others already. High shooting angle, bird moving away and out of the frame, harsh light, etc...