Black Skimmer Skimming

[Jay Ing]

187351


Today's shoot started out poorly, but thankfully as time went on things turned around. Didn't get my killer shot, but was very happy with what I did get and felt I was starting to get the gist of my new gear. This was before golden hour hit so on the bright side but I'll take it.

A9ii, 600mm GM + 2.0TC (1200mm), ISO 1000, F8, SS 2000, HH, Zone AF, C1P, PS and AIDn.

[arash_hazeghi]

sweet frame Joel, getting a hang of it and you are already upping your game going straight for 1200mm, it was a lot harder than this in those old days with the heavier lenses and iffy AF but still takes some skill to get this! I like the water film and the skimming trail, excellent details ans exposure. I wish that a) that rear wing was raised a tad higher and b) the water was more clam :D I'd clone out the wake running through the wings to clean it up a tad.

you're getting there buddy, just sent you the coordinates for the green spot

for these I find both zone and tracking zone work well. It actually nails them every time so all you need is a single pass or two...

[dankearl]

Very nice, I wish that strip was not behind the bird... but the skimming trail is great and a good POV.

[John Mack]

The texture and patterns in the water are great. Nice skimming action. I take it a second skimmer made a pass in the background.

[Brian Sump]

Jay, great timing and lovely lighting here. I think Ari's comments are spot on, you almost nailed this one.

Shadows on top and opposing wing appear possibly blocked but you might be able to work some magic on them if not too underexposed.

TFS keep up the good work!

[gail bisson]

I am late to the party so issues already addressed!
The wake in the BG is the real issue for me. I also find the black striations in the water distracting.
But the positives are there! Tack sharp, great incoming position and a nice highlight in the eye.
Looking forward to your capture from the next outing!
gail

[Jay Ing]

I am late to the party so issues already addressed!
The wake in the BG is the real issue for me. I also find the black striations in the water distracting.
But the positives are there! Tack sharp, great incoming position and a nice highlight in the eye.
Looking forward to your capture from the next outing!
gail


Wondering what the consensus (if there is any) on the remove of the wake in the BKG? It's not a small "feature" of the shot - but - it is not much of a change to the main subject. Opinions?

[Brian Sump]

Jay, if you're curious I would concur that the wake line going across does detract. Wouldn't be a huge issue to remove with the patch tool and a bit of clone stamping.

IMO the little ripples above are insignificant.

[Jay Ing]

Here's an edit.

187371

[gail bisson]

Repost is excellent and the little black striations no longer seem to be distracting. Looks good!

[Brian Sump]

Good job Jay