Backlit Landing Common Goldeneye.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I had some fun at the local wintering goldeneye spot this past weekend. It was very cold (-20C without factoring in the strong winds) and there was a thick mist rising up from the fast moving river, quite a beautiful sight if one managed to get over the finger and toe-numbing temperature. I had a few short opportunities with backlit situations, and I did not expect much from those until one female goldeneye came in and landed close...even then I thought I had missed that opportunity it until I reviewed the images on my computer (I'm an unabashed "chimper" in the field, but it was too cold to bother manipulating buttons to review on the spot). I realize this is a bit different and maybe not everyone's cup of tea...but I hope you like it!

Canon 7D + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/2500s., f/5.6, ISO 800, natural light, handheld lying prone on the frozen riverbank, cropped a bit left and bottom. I did experiment with the eye fully blacked-out but much preferred seeing it subtly as is.

[Henry Domke]

You are more cold tolerant than I am!
On my laptop I could not make out the eye so I brightened it up a bit. Still not sure if I like it. But I like the fact that you are going beyond the conventional and experimenting.

[Bob Pelkey]

The original image had obviously great appeal, but I couldn't help have the desire to see the goldeneye's eye.
Henry's effort immensely improves my appreciation of the shot.

[Matthew Studebaker]

the backlight and monochromatic color scheme is just beautiful here.

[Kevin Giannini]

Hello Daniel,
Yes, I love the monochrome golden tone of the image - it and the backlighting conveys the heavy mist present. I like the pose and the splash trail of the landing, and I think I prefer to see the hint of an eye that Henry did. I think the image is very artistic!
Kevin

[Holger Leyrer]

interesting Image. Love the color and pose.
I like the repost. But i think the bird (head) is too far to the left

[Marina Scarr]

Very unique image you have here, Daniel, and I had to look at it a few times and ponder. I am done pondering. It's a hit for me. My only issue which Henry has addressed was lightening the eye a little. Well seen and executed, and the comp works well for me.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thanks for the repost Henry, I agree the eye looks much better

Marina, I had to ponder about this one too before processing it....but it grew on me and now I like it a lot.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

I like the light in this one and the repost is a big improvement as the image (face) is way too dark in the original post.