Emerald green diver - Common loon portrait

[Randy Stout]

This common loon was imaged in northern Michigan in late July of this year. Right at the end of their peak color for the year. I was struck by the display of subtle greens on the neck and head contrasting with that trademark red eye.

D700 600VR f/5.0 1/800s ISO 500 Camera pedestal mounted in the bottom of my little boat, the Loonie Too.

Post: Rotated 2 degrees, 15% crop from right for comp. Selective sharpening, minor water clean up. The breast was 2.65 stops hotter than the rest of the head, so did a double conversion in raw, one for the whites, one for the head, and combined them.


Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Brendan Dozier]

Stunning portrait, Randy! Amazing color and IQ on this. Love that red eye, water beads, and the fine knitted texture to the feathers, especially that green collar around the neck.

[Robert Holguin]

Wonderful shot. Superb detail, great shooting angle, love the water drops all over its body.
Well done.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, you certainly have brought out the different shades of green on the head and neck. Lovely eye, and the multitude of droplets takes this to another level. Well captured.

[Melissa Groo]

Beautiful portrait, Randy. The IQ and details are superb. Love all those textures you have captured so well.

[Don Lacy]

There a lot to like here Randy from the lovely green water to wonderful detail in the blacks along with the water drops .

[MohsenVahedipour]

Randy,
Exceptional portrait with excellent sharpness & details, shooting angle & background. We can rarely see any type of Loons (Divers) in Iran. TFS

[Gary Esman]

Another great Loon shot Mr. Stout! Nice alert look, sharp where it counts, exposure looks great.

Gary.