Long-tailed duck taking off

[Grace Scalzo]

Just back from an extended stay in Northern Alaska. These long-tailed ducks are everywhere and respond to a call, so I just had to snap a few frames especially in the never-ending 24 hour sunlit days.

1/2500, f 5.6, iso800
Canon 1dx, 600f4 + lowered rrs tripod

[arash_hazeghi]

sweet warm light combined with a dynamic pose and perfect techs...not much more to ask

TFS

[Ian Wilson]

Nice one Grace, good choice of frame and composition. Great low-angle light, well done. Regards, Ian.

[gail bisson]

This is a keeper for sure Grace.
Tack sharp, good exposure, great northern Alaskan light.
I like this as presented but could see a comp with the left hand most splash cropped out and the same amount added back in on the RHS of the frame.
Love the front foot!
Gail

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

Lovely light, angle in frame, sense of action. I was thinking along the same lines as Gail about cropping off the left most splash and giving him more room to run into.

The water just in front of the duck looks a bit different. Was there another duck in the bg that caused this?

Look forward to many more from your trip.

Where did you go specifically?

Cheers

Randy

[Daniel Cadieux]

I`d have a hard time holding back too. Sweet light, great pose, and the comp is tasteful.

[Bill Dix]

Gorgeous light, great takeoff captured. I'm ok with the crop. Look forward to more from the trip.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the take off pose, light, IQ, sharpness and composition wise I agree with Gail's suggestion. A real beauty Grace!

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks for the looks and the thoughtful comments. Gail's comp suggestion is certainly an option. I am preparing my images for a web page and try for a variety of comps, hence this choice. Randy, I was in Barrow, and what you see is a bit of a reflection caused by a walk bridge. This was at a pond behind the high school. As a result of you noticing it, I will remove it for the final presentation. Thanks.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Perfect timing Grace absolutely superb well done.

[Marina Scarr]

Killing take off image in amazing light. This works well but I have a feeling Gail's comp might be even more powerful if you have the space in the front.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image in beautiful lights. Fully action packed frame. Love it.

Regards,
Satish.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Sweet light, pose and killer IQ. I like the comp as is. Terrific image Grace, and looking forward to more from Alaska

[Mike Poole]

Running take off shots always seem to allow for a plethora of options regarding the crop - I think you've got this one just right. Techs spot on as already mentioned.

[dankearl]

The light and IQ is excellent, I think a tight crop option with just the first sharp splash and more in front would look good.