Skimmer and chick

[Cheryl Slechta]

This was taken at Anna Maria Island in Florida this July. I used slight NR and slight USM on both the skimmers and removed several bits of seaweed.

Canon 7D, 100-400L IS, f/8, 1/640 sec., ISO 640, +1.3EV

Thanks for looking. Comments and suggestions appreciated.

[Ian Cassell]

Hey Cheryl, nice family shot! I think it would have been stronger if the chick were looking more towards you, but sometimes you need to take what you can get. I might consider turning into more of a pano and trimming the water off the top, but not sure 'bout that.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Cheryl,

Love the moment, chicks are the best and this is a beautiful species. Just curious, what was the point of focus. I am sure you were trying not disturb this family and get too close. The image has a good feel to it. You controlled the frame well, the background is the habitat and should be included in my opinion. Could clone the sprig of grass on LHS, not a deal breaker but would keep area around chicks face clear. This is a challenging exposure dark bird on white sand. Looks like nice soft light, did you bump-up ISO for light capture, were you at 400MM. Might try and lighten eye area on mom. Nice one, great to be in nature and you captured a grand moment.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Cheryl, I like your composition and capture. Tough exposure indeed, and I think the image could use just a tiny bit more detail in the blacks. I would also evict the one bit of foliage and try to get more detail in the eye. I think the bg is fine, agree with Jeff on the habitat point. Nice image and good eye to see the opportunity!