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Cranes at Dusk

The sun has set, the moon is low, and sandhill cranes return to Pixley Wildlife Preserve. Looking toward the west, the birds are backlighted in stark contrast to the sliver of moon. I suppose that a case could be made for a tighter crop, but I disagree. With the birds in silhouette, there is no detail to present with a closer view. Primarily, though, this looser, more expansive view implies the open space of their aerial domain. Instead of being tightly contained in the frame, they enjoy freedom of movement. A First Place Award confirmed my opinion of this composition.

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