NikonGear'23

Images => Nature, Flora, Fauna & Landscapes => Topic started by: Randy Stout on February 25, 2018, 14:31:54

Title: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Randy Stout on February 25, 2018, 14:31:54

This adult common loon was blasting off to visit another near by lake. It was part of a nesting pair, and one or the other would often leave the natal lake for 20-40 minutes mid morning, while the chick and other parent stayed home.  Sometimes the dad would bring back a fish or other tasty bit when he returned.  I normally like my flying compositions to have more room to "fly in to", but I wanted to include the splash on the right, and did add some canvass to the left already.  Would appreciate your thoughts on the composition.

Thanks

Randy

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: armando_m on February 25, 2018, 15:02:46

You captured a spectacular moment , love the soft golden background

Crop is a bit odd with the splash being cut and and maybe to much foreground, maybe crop it to 16:9 ratio and remove some from the bottom ?

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Randy Stout on February 25, 2018, 15:10:03

Armando:

Excellent points.  I often do crop the loons to more of a pano ratio.  I did not have anymore canvas on the right.  Really wanted to show the hop/skip/takeoff effect they have, but I can accept that the framing mid splash wasn't effective.

So, went more pano, and cropped out enough of the right side, so hopefully it just looks like a big splash coming off the feet and being propelled rearward.

Cheers

Randy

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Anthony on February 25, 2018, 15:19:57

Great timing of the capture.

I agree about the more pano crop, but I would reinstate the splash even though you could not squeeze it all into the frame.

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Akira on February 25, 2018, 15:20:55

Agree with Armando in terms of the framing.  But the capture itself is, as always, stunning!

Yeah, I know the loon "Rush"es.   ;)

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: armando_m on February 25, 2018, 15:22:34

Quote from: Anthony on February 25, 2018, 15:19:57

....
I agree about the more pano crop, but I would reinstate the splash even though you could not squeeze it all into the frame.

+1

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Randy Stout on February 25, 2018, 16:28:48

Thanks everyone.

Really appreciate your input!

Randy

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 25, 2018, 17:32:41

Fascinating shot.

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 25, 2018, 18:35:24

Quote from: Fons Baerken on February 25, 2018, 17:32:41

Fascinating shot.

+1

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Randy Stout on February 25, 2018, 19:04:35

Thanks again.  Here is the final version.  In addition to adding back the splash,  cropping from the bottom,  I lightened the shadowed area of the face just a bit.

Cheers

Randy

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Andrew on February 25, 2018, 20:48:37

Great!!!!

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Anthony on February 26, 2018, 00:18:48

Got it!

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Hugh_3170 on February 26, 2018, 01:48:51

Randy - I like - really nice.

Quote from: Randy Stout on February 25, 2018, 19:04:35

Thanks again.  Here is the final version.  In addition to adding back the splash,  cropping from the bottom,  I lightened the shadowed area of the face just a bit.

Cheers

Randy

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Peter Connan on February 26, 2018, 17:19:49

Wow Randy!

Title: Re: Exist stage left - loon leaving the lake
Post by: Randy Stout on February 27, 2018, 18:32:00

Thanks everyone for your comments ideas.

Cheers

Randy