Balancing act

[Grace Scalzo]

Finally working on a few images from the summer.

1/2000, f 5.6, ISO400, Ground pod
Canon 1Dmk4, 500 f4 + 1.4tc

[Dan Busby]

Terrific image Grace. Love that mysterious look the BKGR gives it. Nice lighting and comp. Great that you got both the legs and beak sharp.

[dankearl]

Your images reflect your name, always first rate and this is no exception.
Beautiful light, pose and BG.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Really nice Grace. I too love the misty ,mysterious look as well as the light on the face. I also like the subtle glow above the sand line.

[Roger Clark]

Grace,

Adding to what has already been said, I like the phase angle: the light appears to be coming from about 30 degrees to the left, and that makes for nice shadows on the bird, giving form to the body and fine texture to the feathers. Well done.

Roger

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

Fine all the way around, with great shooting angle, head angle, exposure and sharpness. The BG makes me think of a sand storm coming in.

Agree with Roger that the angle of the light gives depth and definition to the bird and adds to the slightly mysterious feel.

Cheers

Randy

[Ken Watkins]

Grace,

The first thing I thought on opening this before reading everybody elses comments was what a great mood the BG brings to this. It does indeed have an air of mystery to it, beautiful light, and of course the one legged stance is the icing on the cake.

Tremendous

[Robert Holguin]

Wonderful image. Love, love the pose, great shooting angle, and teriffic background.
Well done.

[adrian dancy]

Superb image. I would be inclined to lighten the image just a tad.

[MohsenVahedipour]

I like the very low shooting angle, nice soft light, excellent IQ, raised foot & HA. TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Grace, your angle of capture here, is exquisite, and just love the one legged pose. Great HA too. Overall nice and sharp, and I like how the lower BG compliments the bird, and like the hint of blue above even better.

[Marina Scarr]

Clean, sharp, moody, lovely feel and great IQ. Winner. I wouldn't go any lighter if it were mine.

[Melissa Groo]

What a spectacular capture, Grace. That bill is just stupendous and you really did it justice here. Gorgeous BG and wonderful atmosphere. Pretty much perfect.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

like the subtle glow above the sand line!!!

[Dave Leroy]

I really like the feel and atmosphere of the photo. It just feels like a beach or mudflat in early morning. Excellent. I also like how the bird is alert and yet still relaxed.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Excellent image Grace. beautiful BG, great low angle, and nice details. Pose and comp look great too....

[Gary Esman]

Fantastic shot! Love everything about it. Gary.

[Raul Padilla]

great work, very sartistic, this photo reflect time dedicated

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. Capturing this image was a dream come true for me as I have tried for this species for four years and to have the opportunities that I had this particular evening was really special. Appreciate you sharing it with me.

[Geir Jensen]

It was a great picture. I liked very much the special BG.