Snowy Fishing

I have been laid up some lately because of my back, but am going through some older files trying to find images I missed. I decided to crop this from landscape to vertical to try to put the emphasis on the head with all the water action. Some might find it too tight, but I think it was the best option to show what I was going for.
1DXM2
600mm f/4
1.4 TC
1/6400 at f/8
ISO 800

Kurt very nice, and the whites look perfect. What I like about this is the eye contact along with the water. As for the crop I think it could be opened up a bit and still have the impact. Your eye is drawn to the eye and splashing water. TFS

Hi Kurt, nice image of a snowy fishing. Feather detail, background, splashing water all look good. On my display the whites appear slightly graying, maybe can be raised. As Kevin suggested I also think more room around the bird if you have it. Thank you for sharing.

Sharp. The WHITEs look pretty good but are greyed out in spots. It does need more room all around and I'd bet that is needs some CCW rotation. Good timing on the strike. It bugs me that the bird is angled away from us (subject to sensor plane orientation) and it bugs me that the eye is covered by the splash.

with love, artie

Hi Kurt, Artie has highlighted the key issues/main points, but for me, the whites should/could be a bit cleaner (slight cast) and I would suggest carrying the green all the way, up to remove the banding colour at the top. Subtle in parts I know, but you will also gain a fraction more detail in the whites.

TFS
Steve

Kurt, so sorry to hear of your back aches my friend. It takes so much out of you when you're battling even basic movements. I pray you get back to action very soon....

AFA the post, so cool with the dollops coming up after the jab. I love the gradient in the background, adding in some tan and magenta.

Valid points by Joe and Artie on the whites and as Kevin mentioned, it would benefit from a touch more room if you had it. Maybe a touch of NR on the bkg would also enhance.

I think it was the nictitating membrane exposed, not the water over the eye?

Hope to see more from the archives!

Hi Kurt, excellent exposure and love the hint of the water reflection across the body. Well timed for the strike and the vertical splash adds interest.
Hope your back feels better soon.

Hey Kurt, love the water movement and whites looking great well done

Timing couldn't be any more perfect. I would like to see this wider.