Black Skimmer

I took this image at Bolsa Chica earlier this year. The light angle allowed me get a view of the underwater including the lower mandible as it skimmed the water. Used Fractalius and layer masks to open up the bird selectively. Hope you like it...

Hi Indranil, nice skimmer capture! Like the subtle fract work with the eye masked back in. The effect on the water is quite nice, I like that too. I'm not sold on the reflection though, and I would love to see a version of this without any of the reflection at all. :cool: I love that you can see the lower bill under the water!

Nice image and application, Indranil.

I like the shot and the Fract work. I just wonder if the end of the right wing could be enhanced. It seems to be cut off???? Not sure, but .. Otherwise, I like it. ;)

Kerry, Mark, thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it a lot. Here is a repost without the reflection and enhanced right wing...

Looks good Indranil. I think part of the problem was the hour ... my eyes were done for the day.:( But it is better now and nice image. ;)

Very nice capture..like the repost without the reflection...well done

Indranil, Really great look w/ the filter and I like the repost. I think the eye looks a tiny bit too light?

Thanks Denise. Good to see you back! I will fix the eye on the master.

Thanks for the welcome back Indranil!!

Like the repost Indranil, agree with Denise on the eye. Love the beak going below the water.

I really like this one. It is an improvement over the original post.