Northern Shov. + repost

Gallery: AvianPosted January 9, 2013114 views10 comments

Nikon D5100 w/ 200-400VR + TC14E
ISO400, F5.6, 1/500 sec.
RAW image processed in PSE10; 85% of original
Location: Tucson, AZ - Sweetwater Wetlands

Hello! Here is the male that I shot on the same day as my last post. While the reflections aren't as interesting, I thought I'd share this anyway. Comments and critiques welcome!

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 9, 2013 at 10:10 PM

nice one, Tonia. I like the colors and reflections, the ripples in front of the bird, and the nice look at that big bill. I think this could go slightly looser (more room in front and on top) if you have it, but also good as posted. I think that the image would benefit from a little more sharpening, and a bit of highlight adjustment to bring out more detail in the whites.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 9, 2013 at 10:22 PM

Nice angle, Tonia, and a splendid reflection of the duck. I agree with Brian that the whites look a bit hot.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 10, 2013 at 12:09 AM

These shovelers are colorful but can be a difficult subject for me due to the whites. I like the wonderful clean reflection and the iridescent shine along the head, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Greg AshworthFanch on January 10, 2013 at 12:10 AM

Great capture! I feel like I'm in the water with him. The crop is a little too tight for me as well. Well done.

Registered on December 14, 2012, 55 Posts, 67 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 10, 2013 at 2:11 AM

I also agree with Brian's nice critique in general. However, I'm okay with the size of the bird in the frame, this view really allows the viewer to revel in the wonderful colors and feather detail.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Milicia on January 10, 2013 at 2:48 PM

Lovely bird and reflections!

Another vote composing a bit looser ... would add to both sides but might actually take some off the bottom.
Also needs some CW rotation.

Registered on July 25, 2005, 145 Posts, 302 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 10, 2013 at 6:26 PM

I think shovelers are one of the prettiest birds, and this is a nice portrait. excellent detail, colours, and perfect reflection.
Very well-done!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by David E Lester on January 10, 2013 at 7:03 PM

The whites are not that far off I think, other than that-love it!!

Registered on March 24, 2010, 155 Posts, 793 Comments

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on January 10, 2013 at 10:03 PM

Thankyou everyone for the kind comments. As per your feedback I have reposted another version with a sight rotation, toned-down whites, and added sharpening. This is full frame after a slight crop after performing the rotation.

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on January 12, 2013 at 2:57 PM

I like the repost, nice reflection of the duck and the habitat.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments