Double-crested Cormorant

[Walker Noe]

Taken at a local pond, where the birds are quite approachable.

Nikon D7100, 300mm f4/1.4x TC handheld
SS 1/1000, ISO 800, f/5.6

Cropped the some of the neck out on the bottom, standard PP work. No NR, I'm finally figuring how to get relatively noise-free shots with the D7100. Maybe it could use some sharpening though?

Critique appreciated, as always. I'm just trying to improve.

[Colin Driscoll]

Good portrait. It does look a little soft so if you didn't do any sharpening it needs some- straight out of the camera images almost invariably need some sharpening.

[William Dickson]

Very nice portrait shot Walker. The eye and the bill look really good. I can see a little bit of noise on the BG, but not much. I am sure a little sharpening would make this image better. The blacks look a bit soft. Thanks for sharing

[gail bisson]

You have some good critiques which I agree with.
I see a greenish color cast in the blacks as well.
Would be tempted to clone out one of the catchlights. I like the clean BG and the color sets the cormorant off very well.
Definitely needs some sharpening,
Gail

[Walker Noe]

Thanks for the great comments.

Repost: Did some NR on the BG, cleaned up the eye, and did some sharpening.

[gail bisson]

Repost is much better!