Common Goldeneye

[Diane Miller]

Shot a couple of weeks ago at a local pond. They were not close to the shore so I had to go to the 2x and ISO 1600 -- not my favorite combo for IQ. And tiny highlights from being wet caused some crunchiness, but I'll toss it up anyway. I like the bow wake.

Canon 5D Mk III, 600mm II + 2x III. Big Gitzo with Wimberley II. ISO 1600, f/11, 1/2000 sec. 80% of full frame. Basic LR adjustments then to PS CS6 for some Detail Extractor and NR, and a luminosity mask (probably third order) on a Curves adjustment layer to bring out more detail in the whites. I'm wondering if it needs a little contrast boost with a Curves? (Maybe excluding the already-darkened lighter areas.)

C&C always appreciated!

[David Salem]

Nice low shooting angle and I like the wake as he cruses thru the water. The exposure, color and detail look great too. Well done Diane.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The contrast and colours look good to me, as does the comp and low angle. I do wish this was a cleaner individual though!

[John Rowell]

I like the nice low shooting angle here and image looks very good to me for 1200 mm. Agree that the bow wake adds interest here. As Dan said, the downside to this image is the goldeneye himself as he looks a bit like he's been through the wringer. Nice job Diane.

[vishaljadhav]

low shooting angle is what i like here along with the colours and sharpness

[Karl Egressy]

Nice low shooting angle, nice colors and sharpness. As Daniel mentioned I also wish for a nicer plumage.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the low angle, sharpness, details, wave and water colour. Nice image Diane.

[Diane Miller]

Thanks, guys! I too wish he was dry and pristine but it wasn't to be this day. A duck's version of a bad hair day, I guess.

[WillieHall]

I like wakes in water birds, shows motion without blur. I especially like the iridescence you captured in the unique mane of these birds. Waterfowl get wet, you could be there all day looking for a perfectly feathered dry one!

[arash_hazeghi]

nice low angle, I like the wet head. a bit more room the the back would be better IMO. There is some noise in the BG

[Holger Leyrer]

Wonderful low angle shot. Like the colors and details. Well done, Diane