Swimming Puffin

On my last visit to Machias Seal Island most of the people on the trip were from a chapter of Mass. Audubon. It was a gorgous day without a cloud in the sky (unfortunate for photos) and with very calm waters so Capt. Andy decided to circle the island before heading back to Cutler. Taken just before noon.

Canon 7D
100-400 @ 400mm
1/2000
f5.6
ISO 400
EC +.67
HH from a moving boat, luminosity mask, levels, curves, selective dodging and burning, selective color adjustments, NR to bg and sharpened in CS5.

C&C welcome and appreciated. Thanks,

Rachel

Nice to see one in this beautiful water!
Looks like you did as well as possible given the harsh light conditions.
Only thing that may have helped a bit would have been some fill flash.

Maybe add some to the bottom if you have it .. reflection is a bit tight against the edge for my taste.

Hi Rachel, cool swimming pose, and just love the blue of the water. You have well with the late light, and overall, I feel you have exposed the puffin nicely. Taking a bit off the top wont harm the image. :w3

You did well exposing this little guy in this light. I've been out there, and it sure can be difficult when the light gets high. I think I"d like to see a tad more on the right and bottom. I'd like to see a little more of that water circle to the right.

Hi Rachel, now that's looking good, love the depth of the sea and good detail in the plumage. I also agree, the light does look a tad harsh but you have done well. I would be tempted just to clean the little wave in the RHS and the white spot lower left and perhaps a slightly tighter crop from LHS & top, but all personal. Great to see how things have moved on.

TFS
Steve :cheers:

Loved the waves and the color pity about the high sun angle...but you did very well. agree with advice above that some space below will make it better. We dont get to see swimming shots of these birds that often. thx for sharing.

Beautiful and colorful image.

That water is amazing. I like the detail you got and the movement of the water. I really like how the foot is visible too.

Magnificent creation.Loved the swimming pose of beautiful puffin with wonderful details in whites and blacks.
Extremely elegant water with waves and wonderful blues. I'd also like to see a little more of that water circle to the right.
TFS...
Regards.

Sweet shot. Shooting angle a bit high but still nice.

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. This is ff so no more room and I don't have the rest of the water circle.

Thanks again,
Rachel