Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)

[Mervyn Marsh]

Took this at Western Treatment Plant (**** farm) yesterday afternoon.. lying low in the stinking mud covered in flys..crop around 15% done on this photo, heal spot and a few clone stamps.. exposure slighted increased in PP and some slight sharpening.
Camera Model: 5d mk iii
1.4 iii extender
Shooting Mode: Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/3200
Av( Aperture Value ) 9
Metering Mode Spot Metering
ISO Speed 1600
Lens EF500mm f/4L MK ii IS USM
Focal Length 700.0 mm
AF Mode AI Servo AF
AF area select mode Manual selection

Cheers,
Merv

[Gerhard Weldhagen]

Good effort mate, the sharpie looks a bit bright to me. A little more sharpening would lift this image.

[Mervyn Marsh]

Hey Gerhard, thanks for the feedback. had a play with it .. :)

Cheers.
Merv

[Bill Dix]

Nice species to capture even if the habitat was a little odorous. The brightness in the OP didn't bother me (I like it better than the repost in that regard), but the bird looks a little soft. Repost better in that regard. I'm wondering if the relatively high ISO combined with some exposure correction may have degraded the IQ a little.

[gail bisson]

Hi Mervyn,
I think the placement of the bird within the frame is lovely.
I like the still water as well.
I think this image is a bit bright so am surprised you increased the exposure. If anything I would have decreased brightness and/or exposure.
The sandpiper is a new species to me so thanks for showing.
I think the biggest problem with this image is that the bird appears to be slightly soft.
Time to go back to the ****farm and try for a redo!
Gail

[Daniel Cadieux]

If focus is good I'm surprised the subject appears soft with those techs. Perhaps a resizing for web issue? Nice comp and reflection.