Evil Eye + repost

Not quite what I was after this evening trying to make the most of some great light, but you take what you get - in this case, I was quite happy.

This Moorhen seemed to take exception to my eye level challenge.

I know the image might not be to everyone's liking, but I'm interested in your views.

1D MKIII
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/400
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 500
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Focal Length 700.0mm

Frame split 50/50
Subject very central
Front facing shots of birds are never flattering
Reflection clipped

Shouldn't work, should it?

It does though, in a very comical fashion. Kind of sums up how a coot looks to me.

Love it!! In fact, I was about to post a very similar shot - I'll wait a while. I'd like to see a vertical crop on this to emphasise the great reflection.

Thanks guys - I toyed with the crop for an age. The reflection or the ripple (which runs much wider than shown here..........

I'll post a vertical crop in a moment.

Looks great may just try a portrait crop ,beautiful light and exposure on the bird

Portrait version.....

The portrait version works better for me, beautiful colours Graham

The second one for me too Graham, I think the long red reflection is more important to the image than the ripple from the bow wave. just my opinion. i love it by the way.
Pete

Hi Graham, second version without a doubt, it has all the qualities for this format.

Might be tempted to slightly lighten the lhs just a fraction, extend the canvas below so its more long & narrow and perhas add a tad more in Sat. Good image in nice light, colours work well.

'Nice image LOL' help!!! Seriously, like it.

Steve

I agree, the portrait format really suits this image.

Nice one. (Sorry, Steve )

David

Yes! - repost makes all the difference for me. I have the very same shot in mind - I want the sun directly behind me at low level, so that both eyes are equally lit. That can only be achieved at my site around December, so it might be years before it all comes together (persuading the bird to get in the right position isn't easy!). Maybe a bit of fill-flash would have the same effect?

Second one for me too.
The minor nit is the imbalance in eyes but no biggy .nicely executed and super light on the water.

2nd for me too it just has so much more imapct. This after work photography seems to be quite sucessful - will have to give it a try tonight.

Calum

the portrait crop is much better shame the one eye is duller but its still a nice image

The portrait version works very well.

Phil.

Cheers all.

Kaz - 'one eye is duller' - it was on the shaded side of the bird hence why it is darker. It could be lightened, but then that wasn't what I saw

Hello Graham.

Nothing wrong with the first post but the portrait version is much stronger and the one for me.

Lovely colours in this but that red just pops beautifully.

I think I would lighten the eye and the dark side of the head slightly as if this is as taken and you have'nt made no adjustments then its the cameras exposer that as made it this dark in getting the exposer right for the rest of the image and you would have seen it much lighter with you eyes.

Its a lovely image and I think it would make it even better.

A superb shot, I like both equally

Stunning second one all day long

Second one for me , works well . Bob.

I like both, second one has the edge though, no nits re the eyes!