Lesser Scaup

[Jim Crosswell]

This was taken last week at the Detroit River. A lower shooting angle wasn't possible at this location. All C&Cs are welcome and appreciated.

Canon 1D MK IV
500L f4
1.4 Extender
ISO 1000
1/320s
f13
Ev 0.33
Tripod

[Randy Stout]

Jim:

Scaups are such striking ducks, always enjoy them.

The higher angle did give you a better reflection! Cropping a bit from the top will give you the illusion of a lower shooting angle.

Interesting choice of f/stops. You may be getting into some diffraction issues in that range.

THe eye looks like it could use a bit more sharpening.

How big of a crop Jim?

Cheers

Randy

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks Randy. This image is about 75 percent of the original. I was trying to get a couple of mergansers earlier and didn't change my settings. I would have liked this to be at f9 with some more shutter speed. Will try a little more eye sharpening.

[Grace Scalzo]

Jim, The exposure is beautiful, nice detail in both the blacks and the whites. It is nice to have a variety of shooting angles in a portfolio, with the beautiful reflection along with the soft water color, this is pretty as presented. I'm not sure that the eye needs more sharpening, perhaps just burn in the pupil. I think that when the catchlight touches the edge, sometimes it can look less than sharp.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Jim, I do like hint of the green sheen on the head, and overall well exposed. Good swimmimg pose and HA, and I also like the colour of the water. I agree, taking a bit off the top wont harm the image.

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent image.Love the pose with golden eye,colors,details,water around the bird and back and nice reflection.

Regards,
Satish.

[Daniel Cadieux]

These are indeed striking ducks, and I'm looking forward to the local ponds thawing out to try my hand at them. Exposure looks excellent and the reflection is very nice...although I'd try experimenting with darkening that reflection a bit. Love the water and the subtle blue-white patterns in it.

[Bill Dix]

Lovely shot,Jim. I like it when you can get a clear eye in the reflection. Good exposure an detail. I agree that a little off the top could help the illusion of lower POV.

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I reworked the image darkening the reflection, burning the pupil and some off the top to reduce the steepness. I really liked the results and input.

[Karl Egressy]

The shooting angle actually worked for you Jim, creating this very nice reflection. Great shot.