Eared Grebe

Gallery: AvianPosted October 31, 2010110 views13 comments

Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Place: Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
Date: October 27, 2010
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, aperture priority matrix metered, 1/1250th @ f/8, -1/3rd ev comp
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 60% of frame, minor water “clean up” with healing brush

A cooperative bird and decent temperatures – it was great to be back out shooting after a long hot summer.

I think the wake of the moving bird is important here so I've placed the grebe in the frame with less space in front than some may think appropriate; to me this feels balanced.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on October 31, 2010 at 12:52 PM

Richard,
perfect detail, beautiful eye color and droplets on the bird. At first glace I'd have preferred a bit more room on the right, but after watching it for a few minutes I like the sense of forward movement.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 31, 2010 at 3:09 PM

Really nice Rich. I like your choice of comp, because the wake really adds IMO. Love the beads of water and that eye just keeps me fixed on the bird's head. Very pleasing image overall.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on October 31, 2010 at 4:32 PM

Your usual impeccable techs, and an excellent composition. I especially like the subtle rings around the bird.

It's interesting that your good shooting season is starting as mine is ending...

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on October 31, 2010 at 4:34 PM

Nice image. I like the reflection. The "RULES" say it's too centered, but I like it that way.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on October 31, 2010 at 6:29 PM

The larger image is superb Rich - simple and elegant. I'd have never thought to use this composition but it certainly works and works well.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on October 31, 2010 at 6:41 PM

I really like the way the orange eye stands out in this image. The pano crop works very well here also.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on October 31, 2010 at 6:49 PM

Nice clean image and I really like the reflection. Would like to see a little more room in front of the bird.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on October 31, 2010 at 8:08 PM

Good exposure and details - would prefer this to not be a pano

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on October 31, 2010 at 8:23 PM

The large view is amazing. Sharp and loaded with detail.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on November 1, 2010 at 3:44 AM

Nice one Rich - like the little bow wave also

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on November 1, 2010 at 8:54 AM

Nice light and reflection and I love the red eye. I also like the water drops on the back.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on November 1, 2010 at 4:19 PM

I am one of these that like to see wakes and water ripples around the birds, for me they add something else interesting to the overall image, so I like the composition as is. Good detail on the larger version, well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on November 5, 2010 at 9:31 PM

This looks very nice Richard, like the pano comp that includes its wake.
Technically excellent, no nits whatsoever..
A pleasure to view, beautiful work

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments