Shorebird portrait: Least Sandpiper.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Here's a third image in my ongoing series in shorebird portraits, hope you're not getting tired of those!:p

This one, contrary to the other two images before, did not require any fieldcraft (excpet for no sudden movements). I was concentrated on another subject when a small flock of these landed right beside me. I had to wait for this one to get out from within my MFD. I did not fiddle with the settings, but in manual mode the exposure was already pretty much spot on.

Canon 40D + 100-400L @400mm, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/320s., f/6.3, ISO 800, natural light, handheld, about 85% FF (cropped a bit top and right). A few darker spots in the BG were toned down via dodge tool.

[Chris Martinez]

It's nice when the birds come to you!!!!

I like how the legs are included in this image. The details are fantastic.

[Martin Wallis]

I like the ultra sharp detail and nice clean BG.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the sharpness, detail and exposure Another beautiful image Daniel!

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Fantastic detail and exposure, Daniel. I struggle with the comp on images like this. I prefer either the full bird or a tighter crop.

[Stu Bowie]

Tack sharp Dan, with good feather detail. You pretty much nailed the exposure too. The colours on the sandpiper stand out well against the lighter BG.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Nice and clean image. Sharp eye and beak. Not the typical composition, I like that!

[Randy Stout]

Daniel:

Techs are spot on.
I am undecided about the crop. My first reaction was that I would like to see a little more of the legs, to balance him a bit better so to speak. The old cut not clip argument, I suppose. Since you were in so close, couldn't do too much more, although a zoomed out shot or two might have given you more comp. options.

Cheers

Randy

[James Salywoda]

Outstanding portrait Daniel excellent detail and composition.