Hooded Merganser

[Jim Crosswell]

This was taken a couple of weeks ago near my house. Hope you enjoy the image. A lower angle was impossible but I like the water anyways.

Nikon D500
Sigma 150-600 @600mm
ISO 1000
f8
1/1000s
Handheld on a steep bank

[gail bisson]

Nice to see you posting Jim!
Nice image.
The merganser looks great.
The water is a bit busy and a lower POV would have been great if possible.
perfect HA. Nice catchlight in the eye.
I might put her higher up in the frame.
Some may want you to pull more detail out of the darker plumage but I am Ok with overall exposure. Whites under the chin look good.

[Jim Crosswell]

Nice to see you posting Jim!
Nice image.
The merganser looks great.
The water is a bit busy and a lower POV would have been great if possible.
perfect HA. Nice catchlight in the eye.
I might put her higher up in the frame.
Some may want you to pull more detail out of the darker plumage but I am Ok with overall exposure. Whites under the chin look good.

Thanks Gail. A lower angle was impossible due to the steepness of the bank. An attempt may have put me in the water over my head. Thanks for your kind words and suggestions.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Jim, nice image of a merganser. Interesting color on the water, sharp feather detail on the bird, all work well together. I don't mind this POV, most time this is what you get from me. I don't have to sneak up on birds in florida so sitting works just fine. The last time I crawled in the mud was in Vietnam and being 77 does have some limitations. I like the image, thank you for sharing.

[John Mack]

The painterly water is very nice. The detail on the hen looks nice as well. Framing is good.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

She's a beauty, Jim. You handled the harsh light well and I like the complimentary colors reflected in the water.


Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu (http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu)

[David Roach]

Love the water and thus the POV on this one. I second your great handling of slightly harsh light. TFS

ps
Good to see you posting, my friend...

[Daniel Cadieux]

Great to see a post from you indeed!! Cute little merganser. Sharp, good subtle head turn. I love the water rings around the subject. Blue streak crossing behind the head a touch unfortunate, but overall I like the image a lot!

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks for the kind comments and suggestions.