American Avocet

Gallery: AvianPosted July 23, 20171,021 views9 comments

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
Date: April 7, 2007, 8:18 pm
Equipment: Nikon D200, AF-S Nikkor 300 f/2.8 D ED-IF plus TC-20E (2x), G1325 tripod with RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 200, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/500th @ f/8
Raw, PS CC 2017 on Mac, cropped to 60% of full frame

Another Avocet, taken 10 years ago when the Water Ranch was probably at peak quality, with more water, more access points around the shallow ponds, and fewer photographers. For me, this image is about simplicity and graphic design.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Please view the large version before commenting.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Shirley Freeman on July 23, 2017 at 2:31 PM

Great capture, Richard. I too like the simplicity and design of this image. The square image with him centered works for his stand, and plain out of focus background, in my opinion. Nicely done.

Registered on May 27, 2017, 77 Posts, 844 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on July 23, 2017 at 3:58 PM

Love the low POV, tack sharp feather detail. I also like the interesting shadow cast down across his breast by his beak. Really cool!

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Peter J. Morrissey on July 23, 2017 at 6:06 PM

Hi Richard
This photograph works as a center pose. You have nice coloring and detail.
Peter

Registered on July 3, 2011, 188 Posts, 969 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 23, 2017 at 6:38 PM

I agree aon the strong graphical quality of this image, Richard. I really like the angle of the sun that made the shadow of the bill a continuation of the real thing and the way they parallel the leg.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by John Robinson on July 23, 2017 at 6:50 PM

Great stuff. Head ons often don't work for some but this certainly does.
John

Registered on March 2, 2008, 535 Posts, 2453 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on July 23, 2017 at 9:22 PM

Cool square on pose, Rich. It's interesting that the pose coincident with the frontal light give the illusion that the bill is much longer. I have a similar problem with the decline of waders in my area, except in Bayou Sauvage it's more likely lack of good food sources.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on July 24, 2017 at 2:47 PM

What makes this picture for me is the point of view. I like it is a square crop. The smoothness of the water as a background really makes the Avocet pop nicely. A well-done photograph.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on July 25, 2017 at 12:55 AM

I really like your post processing decisions on this one Richard. Great idea to do a square crop with a center comp. Nice work!

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on July 25, 2017 at 8:53 PM

Richard, this is an image to me with classical beauty for this bird.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments