As many grebes, the Great Crested Grebes take their chicks on their backs. This bird has two chicks (one sticking its head out), and while the males is searching for food, the mother hangs around. Here she was in a dark spot. Thanks for viewing and have a nice day!
Specific Feedback Requested
Technical Details
Is this a composite: No
Nikon D850 with 500mm f4 | 1/1250s | f5 | ISO400 | underexposed 4/3 EV | camera on the bank of the pond. In postprocessing I enhanced the blacks, selectively brightened the chick a bit and de-saturated the greens as to get the black really black (due to the foliage above it was a little greenish in some areas) to get a low-key effect. Cloned out some light dots here and there.
2 Likes
Oh my! This is really beautiful. I’m always intrigued by images where the subject is against a dark background and you took full advantage of it in camera, and in post processing. Of course, your signature low angle just enhances the image even more. A really lovely image.
Very impressive composition and processing. As always, your point of view and DOF are perfect.
Hi Hans
This photograph is why I keep going out at 5:30 AM, to try an capture something even close to your work here. This photograph could hand in any gallery. Very nice work.
Peter
Didn’t need to check the name to know whose work this was. Beautiful in every respect.
1 Like
All said above – fantastic subject, fantastic lighting, perfect processing!!
Superb image, Hans. The Great Crested Grebe is such a beautiful bird and the chick is a really great addition. You did both of them full justice here.
Gorgeous, Hans. The lighting, detail, reflections and composition are truly amazing! Outstanding capture.
thanks @Keith_Bauer , @linda_mellor , @Dennis_Plank , @Diane_Miller, @Peter_Morrissey, @David_Schoen and @Allen_Brooks for your motivating comments & thanks to the editors for the EP ! Cheers, Hans
Congratulations on the year end selection Hans! A magnificent image!
Thank you so much, @Allen_Sparks !
Jaw-dropping spectacular Hans. This proves I don’t get over to avian as much as I should (especially because digiscoping birds is what got me into landscape photography in the first place). It’s easy to see why your image was chosen; congratulations on the well-deserved selection.
1 Like
Thanks for your nice reaction @John_Williams , I should probably start visiting the landscape section more often 
… best, Hans
1 Like
