Canada Goose portraits

[FlyingSquirrel]

Here are two goose images I created while at a wildlife refuge a few weeks ago. I got there at sunrise and was laying on my stomach in the frost, mud, and goose poop. The birds decided I was just a peculiar distraction and continued about their business, occasionally checking me out again with quizzical looks. I really liked the spot I found, as the sunrise light is really beautiful and the frost reflects it back up onto the birds. Both shots are minimally cropped.

7D, 500mm f4 IS II + 1.4x, tripod/gimbal

[deetheturk]

Great images Matt,tack sharp and lovely detail,well captured bud!

David

[Jeffbridge]

That is beautiful! Excellent Shot!!!

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks guys!

[IzzieK]

Push and pull, I wouldn't be able to pick one, so I am picking both. Very very nice shot...love it.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice shots,I especially like #2

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your comments.

[jamn4ex]

Nice detail on subject and I love that creamy yellowish bg on 1.

[Bobobird]

Good shots both but I really like #1. Not often a shot of these guys can look good and you did it here.

[Brownbear]

I like both... Gorgeous light and detail, but I especially adore the 2nd image for the exquisite detail (seen in both images) but especially so in the beautiful long black neck of the Canada Goose, a gorgeous bird that you have photographed beautifully.

[NorthernFocus]

Nice job, Matt. It's not easy to make a bird that you've seen a million times look interesting. But the level of detail you captured is more than the average person gets to see in person. Similar to the thread that's going on about whether photos are better than the real thing. I think you proved that sometimes they can be.

You're making the most out of that lens. Keep it up.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Many thanks to all who've commented and viewed. I really appreciate every person's thoughts. Glad you enjoyed.

[Stagecoach]

It's the beak on No 2 that decides it for me, perfect Matt.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks Grahame