Sarah Cail
July 2017 - Red Eyed Beauty
Original 1
Original 2
About the Image(s)
Living on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire gives me the ability to watch the Common Loons as they migrate back to the lake, find new mates, nest, and raise their young.
As this image was taken from a boat, I was glad that I had a high enough shutter speed to freeze the motion of the swimming bird. In Lightroom, I sharpened the photo, added a touch of vibrance, and reduced the highlights on the loon's all-white belly.
Canon 5DmkII ISO 400 f 9.0 1/500 in AP
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Hey Sarah, I'm having trouble sorting out finals and originals and getting full size views. New group quirks for sure. I'm envious of you who have a chance at Loon pics. We get them in Arkansas but only drab winter plumage. Posted: 07/08/2017 17:59:11
Hi Sarah, I can't get a full screen view so I can't see how the whites look. Overexposing the whites on a black/white subject can be a problem. I've been looking at a lot of loon pics in anticipation of trying my hand at them in Michigan next summer. They are fascinating birds. My personal conclusion is that I will need to get very low which means a canoe or Yak. Second need, mirror smooth water. That might be a challenge on a lake the size of yours. Posted: 07/10/2017 12:29:29
Hey Vic, The loons certainly are spectacular in their summer plumage. They tend to be territorial and prefer to live in a bay so once you find a pair of these birds, it's a sure bet that you can find them again at around the same time. For example, we have a pair who frequent our bay on the lake every evening. I have my camera ready and start scanning the water around 6:00pm. Because they often stay away from the shore, I'm considering using a kayak with my camera in a dry bag until I get into position. I'll let you know how it goes.
The loon's belly is surprisingly white. This is so that when the bird is fishing, the fish see only what looks like water above them. However, it can be really easy to overexpose as you mentioned. I did have to tone down the brightness a bit in LR, but I think that it came out okay. The enclosed image is of another loon. I love the water droplets on the bird's face. Posted: 07/10/2017 23:01:40
The loon's belly is surprisingly white. This is so that when the bird is fishing, the fish see only what looks like water above them. However, it can be really easy to overexpose as you mentioned. I did have to tone down the brightness a bit in LR, but I think that it came out okay. The enclosed image is of another loon. I love the water droplets on the bird's face. Posted: 07/10/2017 23:01:40
(Group 52)
Hi Sarah, I am Sharon Prislipsky - Vic's wife. I am also the Assistant Managing Editor of the PSA Journal so I thought I would tip you off that in the upcoming August issue there is a very good article on photographic loons. Posted: 07/11/2017 15:26:35
Hi Sharon,
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that you took the time to tell me about the upcoming article in the August issue. I look forward to reading it as it is a goal of mine this summer to capture some great images of the loons residing in my bay.
Sarah Posted: 07/11/2017 17:54:59
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that you took the time to tell me about the upcoming article in the August issue. I look forward to reading it as it is a goal of mine this summer to capture some great images of the loons residing in my bay.
Sarah Posted: 07/11/2017 17:54:59
I like original -1 image of the bird (towards top right hand). Colors are sharp so is the bird. Crop is also perfect the show some environment around. Posted: 07/31/2017 08:04:15