Stretching

[Troy Lim]

~Male Hooded Merganser is one of the hardest subject I ever photographed. Its black and white feather making exposure a tough challenge. Without much luck from last Saturday morning, I went out again in the afternoon without any expectations. They were less active in the evening but I was lucky enough to have caught this moment. It made up for the whole day. Enjoy and have a great holiday season. 1Dx. 600mm IS II + 2x TC III, Manual, 1/1250, f/8, ISO3200

[Bill Dix]

That would certainly have made my day! One of my nemesis birds -- I only have a few shots of them, and none approaching this beauty. BG color is unusual, and very nice. Full wing stretch is perfect. I don't know if you can sharpen the eye up just a tad?

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Gorgeous colors, perfect exposure and great pose. Welcome back!

[Troy Lim]

That would certainly have made my day! One of my nemesis birds -- I only have a few shots of them, and none approaching this beauty. BG color is unusual, and very nice. Full wing stretch is perfect. I don't know if you can sharpen the eye up just a tad?

Thank you Bill. Will do. Their eyes always look softer for some reasons.

Sid, thank you.

[Grant Yang]

Nice background, great pose and very sharp. Great job!

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Thank you Bill. Will do. Their eyes always look softer for some reasons.

Sid, thank you.

Awesome image Troy! Not only did you get the exposure spot on, but you did a great job of timing the shot and isolating the subject.

I know what you mean about the eye. Everything around it could be tack sharp and the eye just looks a tiny bit soft. Not sure what it is, but this bird has it.

[Don Lacy]

Wonderful wing position, nice low angle and he really pops off the BG, well done.

[Marina Scarr]

Very lovely photograph, Troy. The color palate is spectacular, and I love the feather details in the wings, water drops on the chest and water movement. It all came together for your nicely!

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

I was also going to comment on the eye but it has been addressed. Very cool subject, light and pose. Exposure is excellent.

[Graeme Cox]

WOW great capture, lovely soft light under the wing I love that gold BG makes the subject pop off the screen. Ripper….

[Lorant Voros]

Awesome pose and nice colors. I like the water droplets. Well done.

[Holger Leyrer]

Lovely colors and great low perspective and pose.

[vishaljadhav]

The first thing i loved was that colour of the water, IQ all over is nice
the pose is fantastic, very nicely executed all over.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Its that time of year again and you took full advantage Troy. Great light and colors Feather detail is awesome and I love the drops of water

[Troy Lim]

Thank you all.

[Danny Laredo]

Killer light and detail.