Theme - Eye Level I See You!!

[Kristin Brown]

While photographing at Gatorland last Spring, this Anhinga caught my eye. We were literally "at eye level" so I thought the photo would match this month's theme. I deliberated on whether or not to remove the feather matter in the bill. I decided to leave it there since that was how I saw it. Ideas? C&C appreciated....:S3:

Canon ID MK III
Canon 300mm f2.8 1.4X
Manual Mode
1/800, f5.6, ISO 400
no flash
Handheld
50% Crop

[DanWalters]

Great detail in the blacks. Really like the color around the eye and the open bill.

[Dan Brown]

Hi Kristin! This looks familiar!:w3 Great exposure, the blacks look right on the edge of being noisey but I think I'm seeing feather detail and not noise? Very nice BG and the head angle is good for me. Good resolution for a big crop also. The feather stuck to the bill could be removed but it's ok IMO. I would remove the one white speck on the neck though as my eye keeps being drawn to it. A keeper!

[Arthur Morris]

Nice head angle. Lovely colors around the eye. The feathers on the face look a bit ratty but not much you can do about that :) I am fine with the feather but would get rid of the speck on the neck.

[Craig Brelsford]

Good head shot. Details preserved, and in strong light. The feather in the bill is a non-issue to me.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Kristen,
Great observations above.....I'm in the fine with the feather camp.....neck spot has got to go. A minor side thought......lighten the eye a touch.....many people use this trick......so not unheard of....just don;t go overboard! Makes a big difference and will really make this shine!

[Kristin Brown]

Thank you for your comments! I saw the feather speck on the neck too but decided to leave it there because it was part of the bird and not debris. :S3:

[Katie Rupp]

For me, the tiny bit of feather on the bill is the touch that separates the image from the usual fare, and I wouldn't have removed it, either. Great detail and nice color, so congrats on a fine capture, Kristin!

[Tin Man Lee]

Wonderful sharpness, details, and beautiful background. I actually like the feather in the bill too. If its me, I would put a little more space to the right and top of the pic.

[arash_hazeghi]

very nice!

[Greg Basco]

Hi, Kristin. I definitely agree about the feather in the bill -- nice touch. The feather speck doesn't bother me. Really nice exposure and the BG looks great too.

Cheers,
Greg Basco

[James Salywoda]

Gorgeous portrait Kristin.

[Pieter de Waal]

Beautiful portrait Kirsten. Love the detail and colour around the eye as well as the blue sheen on the head and face feathers.

[Stu Bowie]

Kristin, I like all the curves in this, and interesting colour of the plumage. Ours are a browny colour. Overall, tack sharp, and Im glad you left the feather.

[Nico Steenberg]

Great sharp detail and IQ. Like the comp and killer bg. Subject is well placed in the frame and exposed :S3:

[Doug Brown]

Really nice image Kristin! :S3: You're doing a great job with your post-processing!