Sophia Schade
July 2026 - Tender Guidance
Original
About the Image(s)
Photo taken 6.23.26 at Huguenot Park Beach in Jacksonville, Florida, one of my favorite places this time of the year. Nikon Z8 - ISO640, 560MM f/10 1/200 sec on a Ground Pod
This image is one frame from a sequence of about 20 photographs capturing the interaction between a Royal Tern parent and its chick. Lying flat on the sand at eye level allowed me to photograph the entire exchange without disturbing them. For processing, I cropped the image to strengthen the composition, subtly enhanced the subjects, and minimized distractions while keeping the scene natural.
I would appreciate your thoughts on both the composition and i am open to any suggestions to make it a stronger image.
6 comments posted
This is an amazing shot! It begs the question, "What happened next?" The only thing I can suggest is to tone down the BG. There is nothing in this image that takes my eye off the action. Great job Sophia. Posted: 07/04/2026 20:49:46
Thank you Richard.. the chick just walked away after an interesting interaction between the two.. Posted: 07/06/2026 15:05:35
Hi Sophia, love this and the ground pod works really well. You can see right under the chick and see that it is actually off the ground with its feet tucked in! Is it flying or is the parent lifting it!!? (Too young to fly). The whites are really well exposed. The crop makes sense. Its great!! Sorry no suggestions for processing.
BTW I have been using a ground pod recently. I was reluctant but sold on the magical results you can get when the subjects are at ground level. Sadly some areas that shorebirds like are muddy or rocky. I wish there was more beautiful sand to lay down on! Posted: 07/06/2026 03:07:02
BTW I have been using a ground pod recently. I was reluctant but sold on the magical results you can get when the subjects are at ground level. Sadly some areas that shorebirds like are muddy or rocky. I wish there was more beautiful sand to lay down on! Posted: 07/06/2026 03:07:02
Thank you Mark, I have friends that bring a ground matt with them and they lay in the mud etc! I love mine and used it .. let the birds come to me.. last week I waited for over an hour for a clapper rail :) I get lost in my thoughts while waiting and the birds come very close.. Posted: 07/06/2026 15:04:44
Hi Sophia. Lovely image. The angle works really well and the chick even seems to be looking at you! My only suggestion would be to crop just a little off the bottom, where it's really out of focus. Well done! Posted: 07/06/2026 04:06:49
Sophia, this is an excellent photograph! Your nature shots are always wonderful. I have nothing to add... Posted: 07/13/2026 08:37:31