Long-tailed Duck

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y28...DSC_1506w2.jpg

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
D300, 200-400 VR
1/1000s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso200

Hand held, natural light, 70% of full frame

Not happy about the bg, a little too bold., but a good sunny day with no waves is very hard to come by up here in the winter., I originally did this in a vertical crop, but decided to try a horizontal this time., hope you like it.

a second crack at the levels, per suggestions...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y28...DSC_1506w3.jpg

slight crop, levels, and a touch of sharpening.

Great banking pose, details and eye contact. I don't mind the BG but the image could go a bit brighter for my taste and I might crop a bit off the left side.

Nicely done, Ray, love the top banking pose. Agree it could go a little brighter :)

Hi Ray,
Great symmetry in this pose and the head turn/eye contact is good. The BG is a little dark but a little tweak with H/S and reduction of contrast made a nice little difference on my monitor.
Steve

Hi Ray,

Excellent panning technique. I have to agree with Fab. The composition works well for me.

thanks for the suggestions everyone., and I do agree, too dark., it looks like I may be a little wide with my scond try., sorry.

Repost looks good Ray.
Steve