Tripod, Canon 7D, Canon 500mm f4 LIS & 1.4TC Mk1, ISO 320 -0.3, 1/1600 sec, f5.6
This display took place just before the pair began to dance.
All comments welcome
Oh Yes Jon, absolutely nailed. Great IQ and light, and just love all the 'fluffed up' feathers on the back and neck. I also think you have the sharpness and exposure spot on too. The head and neck stand out nicely against the upper BG, and normally I would suggest moving the Grebe back to the left a touch, but its just fine as is.
What awesome behavior you captured here, Jonathan. Techs look spot on. I would like to see a little more sharpness all around, esp in the body feathers but also a tad in the head. I am seeing slight evidence of the selection tool around the "chin" feathers. If this were mine and if it's not already a large crop, I think I would consider cropping in tighter to give even more focus to this amazing behavior.
Believe it or not I had a dream I was shooting these beauties. I love them so much I think I need to board a plane to your house! LOL. Pretty cool pose and very different. I think you are handling your exposure better this season Jonathan as you are lightening them up a bit. Looking forward to more!
Thanks for the feedback, I have more to play with this year as the light was infinitely better and the crops are minimal,last year big crops ISO 800 -1200 this year small crops ISO 320.