Killdeer

[Ian Cassell]

Canon 7D
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L
1/1000 sec f/7.1 ISO 400

Crop for composition, Sharpening in CS5
NR on BG in Noiseware Pro

[Joel Eade]

I like the pose and composition is good, the image is sharp as well. Looks like you didn't have the best sun angle resulting in some shadows on the neck and breast, fill flash might have helped.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Ian,

Thanks for posting a few things regarding composition and exposure. Notice how the feet are close to the bottom of the frame. Need to leave room for what we call "virtual feet". Moreover, room to balance the edge or bottom of the frame. I see hot spots on the whites, remember to expose for the highlights. The sun looks a bit harsh, what was the time. Finally notice how the face is in a shadow. Great things happen when we see a clear, well lit eye and face.

Nice low angle and great looking bird, love the species. Muted background is nice. On balance, the hot whites and bottom of the frame are opportunities to strengthen the picture. The composition is good, might take a bit off the top. Nice regal pose, thanks for sharing and keep em coming.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Ian, not much to add as Jeff covered the technical aspects. The whites on the neck are blown and the image is overexposed. You could have easily gone 2/3 stop less light or more. The crossed-up legs detract a bit from the pose IMO. Keep on shooting!

[Craig Wallace]

Nice image Ian, agree with Jeff and Joel's comments. Love the sharp eye and red eye ring.

[Ian Cassell]

Thank you for the comments, folks. As you can see from the catchlight, the sun was directly overhead.