Northern Shoveler take-off

[Bill Dix]

Chincoteague several weeks ago. Cropped to eliminate another OOF bird taking off in the right foreground. Couldn't do much about the somewhat jumbled BG. I desaturated the legs a bit, but they still look overly orange catching the afternoon sun. (PS: looking at the preview post, perhaps I could have brightened this up a bit.) C&C appreciated.

D90 | 500VR | ISO 400 | 1/1250s @ f/7.1 | -0.7 EV | monopod

[Alan Lillich]

Great timing. I like the impression of acceleration from some of the splash being frozen and some moving, and the same from the feet to wing tips. It is too bad that the wings almost blend into the background, but waddayagonado?

[wendell westfall]

I love the pose, Bill . . . i agree, a bit brighter would be a bit better.

[Aravind Krishnaswamy]

Good timing and I think you chose the right shutter speed (to freeze motion and still have some blur at the wing tips and splashes). I agree, it could be a little brighter.

[Stu Bowie]

Well timed Bill, and I like the action. Good angle of take off, and I like the extended wing position.

[Paul Guris]

Good timing and I agree with the lightening, but I disagree that the legs should be desaturated even more. In fact, I think you may have gone a hair too far already. Shovelers have screaming orange legs and they really should pop against the dark belly and water.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Agree with Paul.

Wonderfull timing and loved the splash. At times, we cant do anything about the BG....

[Pieter de Waal]

Hi Bill, great action shot with a wonderful splash and great eye contact. Wow those orange legs are amazing. I agree with a little lighter but otherwise a top image.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all. I appreciate the comments. I'll go back and brighten up the master file.