Red-Breasted Merganser preening

[John Hawkins]

In Ding Darling Refuge today I came across this female Red-Breasted Merganser preening on the bank. This is full frame. Taken with my Sony A100 at f/6.3, shutter 1/500,exposure 0ev,ISO 200, at 500mm. I like the portrait style showing the detail of her bill and her eye.
I am hoping to learn to improve and look forward to critiques. Thanks for looking

John

[Kaushik Balakumar]

liked the light here.
composition-wise, i might be tempted to go for a tight crop.

[Alfred Forns]

HI John !!! This is so close. Love the captured behavior with the open beak showing the serrations. Really good. Would go tighter as suggested, the extra space is hurting impact.

I like the dramatic light but would clone the specular highlights. Also might go over with another usm pass. Good capture !!!!

[John Hawkins]

Is this better?
Thanks for your comments,
John

[John Hawkins]

Thanks Al, I'm not up on the acronyms, what is USM?

[Gus Cobos]

Nicely done and re-done John...:D I like the action and the mood this image conveys. The colors and details of your bird are fantastic. The background really makes him pop...congrats...:cool:

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Love the action captured in this one and like the repost with the tighter crop.. Excellent detail and eye contact with a very nice Bg. Congratulations John !!

[Joe Senzatimore]

Crop looks much better. Al was saying to do a pass of "un-sharp mask" (USM) as the head seems a bit soft.