Least Tern with Fish

[Cathy McEntee]

This least tern was taken a couple weeks ago on a barrier island that hosts a large number of nesting birds namely least terns, willets, plovers, oystercatchers, sandpipers and skimmers.

I think I would have been better off increasing the shutter speed to 1/2500 as the whites seem to be a bit hot. Input and suggestions greatly appreciated.

Nikon D7000 Nikon 300mm 2.8 with 1.7 tc
ISO 400, f8, 1/2000 HH manual exp

PP in LR3 and CS5

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Cathy, I think your exposure solution was good, but sometimes I have to go to 1/2500 in this situation. You have very bright sun and very white plumage - a very difficult situation! Did I say "very" too much? I would also give this tern a little more space in the frame. Good job capturing this bird, it is not easy!

[Ian Cassell]

Hi Cathy,

I agree with you (and Kerry) about the SS. 1/2500 or even faster might have saved your whites here. Nice catch (for you and the tern) with the fish in his mouth. I'm not sure he needs much more room in front, but I would consider taking some off the top.

[Bob Miller]

Hi Cathy....You did well with a difficult subject. I agree with taking some form the top. Remember to watch your histogram in these kind of situations