Bufflehead

[gail bisson]

Canon 1D MKIV
F 600mm and 1.4XIII
ISO 800
F 8.0
SS 1/2500

I find myself trying to shoot "something different" these days. This won't be everyone's cup of tea but I like it. The bufflehead was swimming in the shadows between the stern and bow of 2 docked fishing boats. I smoothed out a couple of lighter black areas in the BG.
PP Crop, DE at 10% on the head and 2% on the body, USM to JPEG at .3 pixels and 40%.
Comments and critiques always learned from and appreciated with thanks,
Gail

[Marina Scarr]

I am a big proponent of different and love this capture. It really pops with the dark BG. The colors on the duck are gorgeous and you have a great low angle. A very visually pleasing image.

[Dave Leroy]

Without a doubt pops is the word. Very well done on exposure, nice low shooting angle and capturing a really nice pose. I keep thinking it might look nice as a bit of a pano as well with more from the top.
Good for you to see the opportunity.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Very dramatic lighting makes this one different , and sweet. Real fine job on exposure and comp.

[Bill Dix]

Hi Gail. I applaud the desire to try something different. This rises to the challenge, and makes for a very compelling image. Exposure looks spot on, and the Buffie's colors are wonderful. I find myself wanting to find a little more detail in the whites, but I see you used DE, and probably eked out whatever was there.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like it alot! I got a similar effect on some spoonbills a few years ago and I was happy with those...same thing here. Perfect head turn towards us.

[dankearl]

Beautiful, Gail.
Sometimes just trying to expose for these guys, My photos will look like this without trying!
You really brought the color of these guys.

[Andrew Merwin]

Lovely image Gail. I really like the water droplets & the lost & found edges.

[Jeannean Ryman]

Wow, what a beautiful photograph! I think you were very successful in getting something "different". Very dramatic and wonderful exposure bringing out those beautiful colors in it's head. Well done.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Another fan of being different hence the red hair LOL :) I really like this alot. The ducks colors are great and the dark bg make the bird stand out more. Exposure looks great and the reflection is super too. I really like the blue streak of water at the rear

[David Salem]

I too like different shots and this one is different in a good way. The almost black BG makes even the darkest parts of the duck stand out. Nice exposure and details round out a very nice unique shot. Keep trying different stuff, looks good.

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the dark BG and good exp for the whites. I would crop a bit tighter

[Mike Tracy]

I like the metallic feel and would crop tighter.

[Grace Scalzo]

Wouldn't change a thing. I love this one for its uniqueness and beauty. Well seen and executed.

[Sandy Witvoet]

A Buffle-Beauty..... Well done.... pulled the iridescence out nicely, great posture and HA... I LOVE the BG! Great work!