River Otter

[dankearl]

I took this several months ago and hesitated to post it for a few reasons.
I did not like the branch behind the Otter's head.
It was eating something and I did not get a good look at it.
The Otter surfaced for an instant, is eating something but was turned away from me.
While not rare, they are not seen very often at close range in the local streams where I live.
This was on a dark cloudy day, thus the high ISO, the D800 saved me.

1/1000, f5.6, iso 2500, 600mm (300 f2.8 w/2x), D800, Handheld
This is a 50% crop.

DSC_3769bp5.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=128535&stc=1&d=1368942001)

[Russell Johnson]

Dan,

Considering the conditions, a good capture in terms of techs, especially with the x2 attached.

Whilst is not ideal to have the green twig growing from the head, the colour contrast helps somewhat with separation.

From a PP perspective, I would boost the mid tones to help the guy pop, and try to reduce the reflection on the water. There also appears a red/magenta cast running through the darker parts of the image.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Dan - your self-assessment as well as Russell's critique all raise valid points but it is still nice to see something a little different. Well captured under the circumstances.

TFS,
Rachel

[Steve Canuel]

I'm continually impressed with the quality of work you post with that combo. Clarity and detail of this one is very good. Regarding the branch, would've been nice if it wasn't there but certainly not a deal breaker for me.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Like all about it.

Would go for more tonal variation on the main subject .

TFS Andreas

[Anette Mossbacher]

Hi Dan,

this looks great. I like it all. Very nice image of this Otter.

Have a great day

Ciao
Anette