Loonapaloosa #4-Blue morning loonscape - Common Loon

[Randy Stout]

From my recent northern Michigan outing. A cool, blue morning on the lake, with dad bringing home a snack for the kids. I liked the blue wake against the green water, and the cool blue background

D4 600VR f/5.6 1/3200s ISO 800 Pedestal mounted in the bottom of my little boat, Loonie Too.

Post: Modest crop for comp, selective sharpening, a whisper of tonal contrast, cleaned up second catchlight

Thoughts and advice always appreciated. I considered moving him even more to the left in the frame, but didn't want to lose to much of the blue wake.

Cheers

Randy

[christopher galeski]

very nice image,the perch in its beak,is magic,nice low image,good lighting,nice detail,good atmospheric image.

[allanrube]

+!. The loon also looks happy.

[Karl Egressy]

Beautiful picture, Randy. I like the mood of the picture.

[Gary Esman]

Hey Randy, one of my favorites of your loon portfolio. Everything comes together nicely on this for me. Love it.

Gary.

[Rachel Hollander]

Randy - beautiful image and the fish just adds to it. I agree about the wake and position in frame. Nicely done.

TFS,
Rachel

[Jack Breakfast]

"Smaller in the frame" loon pictures are always more pleasing to me: something evocative appears, as if by magic. Lovely tones and mood and composition here. I would take a sliver off the right side, myself.

[dankearl]

I really like the pano comp and the light here Randy.
Very moody and dream like. My favorite of your recent Loon posts.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, I like this lots. I like how the blue wake is forming a 'v' on the water, and I feel you have placed the loon perfectly. You have exposed the head nicely showing up the green sheen of the plumage, sharp, and the little fish adds that little bit extra. I do like your BG, and if anything, just a touch off the bottom.

[Bill Dix]

Love the misty mood, the pano crop, the blue wake, the catch. A very handsome image. Position of the bird in the frame works fine for me.

[gail bisson]

Hi Randy,
Another great shot from the loon master! ( at least I didn't say you were looney)
I like the environmental feel to this and the fish in the mouth is great.
I would take a bit off the right.
Well done,
Gail

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for the input. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up with showing every feather in great detail, that we miss out on the 'big picture' of what the birds look like in their environment, which is how we see them most of the time!

Cheers

Randy