American Avocets in Flight

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dcampbell-avocets-lagerman-2024.jpg
dcampbell-avocets-lagerman-2024.jpg1500×966 361 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

My first visit to Lagerman Reservoir in Longmont, CO. I was shooting a heron and heard something behind me - about a dozen avocets closing fast. I was able to get only a couple of good shots as they flew by.

Specific Feedback

I tried to keep the exposure, highlights and whites balanced to prevent blowing out the whites, but now I see some green tint on their lower sides, water reflection maybe? Should I reduce that? Any other tips appreciated.

Technical Details

Fuji X-H2S, 1/1600s, f/8, ISO 1250, 600mm. Handheld and panning at this slower shutter speed as I was shooting a stationary heron at the time.

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5 Likes
2

I don’t see any need to change anything. Superb shot!

5 Likes
3

Lucky you! Beautiful flight shot of the Avocets. Great detail, nice wing position, and a complementary background. Way to go!

1 Like
4

Wonderful image here, Debbie… :+1:

1 Like
5

Hi Debbie, Wow! what a great capture. Great details and exposure in both and I love seeing the topsides in flight. Pleasing BG. I see what you mean by the greenish hue on the undersides but I imagine that could be there naturally. Great frame!

1 Like
6

@Paul_Breitkreuz @Allen_Sparks @Allen_Brooks @Dave_Douglass Thank you so much! This was a lucky shot, I’m happy one turned out well.

7

Excellent, Debbie. Both avocets are nice and sharp with pleasing wing positions and the background has a bit of interest without being obtrusive.

1 Like
8

Hi Debbie
A plus, go to the head of the class. As of the green under the wings, you could try control point (or brush) to rebalance the spot.
Peter

1 Like
9

Debbie: what a wonderful image. Great backgrt\ound, both birds in focus with fine detail in the feathers and fine wing position. You couldn’t have done better with trained avocets! :slight_smile:

1 Like
10

All said above – simply wonderful!! The greenish undersides don’t bother me but might be worth trying a tweak. Might be worthwhile to try to lighten the dark bluish area at the top. It looks like the only blue in the image so maybe no need to even mask, or at least not to mask around the wing where it intrudes.

1 Like
11

great catch! extremely tough to get even one in flight, let alone 2 in good position!
I`m wondering if a bit more contrast would add a little more definition to the avocets …
Congrats on a fine EP!

1 Like
12

I really like how you managed to capture the grace and symmetry of these two avocets mid-flight, Debbie. The composition is tight and dynamic, with both birds’ wing positions creating a strong sense of motion.

There’s an unspoken harmony in how the birds are synchronized, which adds a sense of connection and rhythm to the shot. Great shot!

1 Like
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@Richard_Sandor @Diane_Miller @SandyR-B @Saundie thank you so much everyone! I really appreciate the kind comments.

14

Congrats on the EP Debbie. Another awesome BIF image. Nice work.

1 Like
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@Ed_Williams Thank you so much!

16

excellent image with wonderful detail and flight formation. Really well done

1 Like
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@David_Schoen Thank you!

18

Superb image.
Amazing that both birds are perfectly in focus.

Dave

2 Likes
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@David_Clark Thank you! It was lucky.

1 Like
20

What genres does David mainly shoot? Because I have never seen the work you shared. You are a mysterious master. Haha