Drops and Bubbles

[Grace Scalzo]

Another Harlequin from the popular Barnegat Light jetty. This young male popped up right in front of me after a dive. Looks like I caught part of the jetty with my lens, an effect which I rather like in this image, along with the many drops on his body and head. Of course, you may not. ;)

1/800, f5.6, ISO800 (Ran NR on the blue water)
Canon mk3, 500f4 + 1.4tc (700 mm) + lowered tripod

[Don Lacy]

Hi Grace, I really like the drops of water especially the one on top of his head, the bottom 1/3 of the frame does look to be slightly OOF.

[DustinFinn]

Considering I love tight and frame filling stuff - this is just lovely and outstanding for me... The water droplets nail it I am not bothered by the OOF bottom part it blends nicely...

I am most disappointed in it being another trip I missed :)

[Bill Dix]

This one's a beauty, Grace. On my screen it looks like you controlled the whites and blacks perfectly, with great detail. BG is lovely, and the drop on top of the head is the killer detail. Wonderful! And btw, at first glance I thought this was a female but when I checked Sibley you are quite right, this must be a 1st winter male. Thanks for the ID lesson. I'll have to look at them more carefully next time I'm at the jetty.

[LouBuonomo]

Perfect exposure and the drop on top of the head make it for me.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Grace, Agree with Lou on how much I like the water drops. Nicely handled..

[Michael Zajac]

Grace, I really like the water drops also. Nice sharp details and exposure looks good.

[Bryan Erb]

I really like this portrait, nice light, good control on the whites, and agree the water droplets are awesome. Nicely done.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Those water drops put a real fine image over the top. Well done:D

[Ryan Schain]

I love the expression, sharpness, and especially the drops. Exposure is always right on :).

[Stu Bowie]

Great HA Grace, and I like the detail and sharpness. Both droplets add to the image, and either one of them puts this over the top. Well captured.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Grace, the first thing I noted were the droplets. They REALLY MAKE the image. Super work IMHO. Like everything about it! :)