Great crested grebe

[Jonathan Ashton]

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D X
Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/1000
Av(Aperture Value) 8.0
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation +1
ISO Speed 500
Auto ISO Speed ON
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM +2x

This was a grab shot, I noticed this adult had caught a fish and it was reorienting it to show a juvenile, the lighting conditions were rather poor, very contrasting due to the birds being close to a wooded island in the large lake.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely, Jon. No nits from me. Thank you for sharing.

[Karl Egressy]

Great action shot, Jon.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the action, fish and visible foot. Composition wise I would add a little in front of the Grebe and take a bit off from behind, but that is personal preference. Well done under challenging conditions Jonathan.

[Grace Scalzo]

Grab shot, eh? I'd sure be happy if my grab shots came out like this. Super reflexes to catch this one. Looks to me like the image could be rotated clockwise a touch and I don't think that all that room up top is adding much. I'd come in tighter. Really great shot, thanks for posting it.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Thanks everyone, the image is a large crop but here is a repost based on your suggestions

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Jon, I actually prefer your OP with regards to the comp. Well timed to get the action, and I can see that fish wriggling in his beak. I like the flying droplets off the back of the neck.

[William Dickson]

I like both Great timing Jon and lovely IQ.

Will

[MiroslavMaric]

Great moment and timing! Like the frame of OP and processing of RP. TFS.

Cheers,
Miro

[Daniel Cadieux]

I prefer the OP as far as comp goes too, but I do agree with the rotation. If mine I'd remove the two highlights in the water behind the wing, but all else looks spot on to me.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Jon, awesome capture!

My only suggestion would be to add in a Curves mid tone adjustment layer to the BKG, you'll be amazed at the detail and depth it brings. Agree with Dan about the highlights, simple fix, great work.

TFS
Steve

[Sidharth Kodikal]

One of the nicest grebe image I've seen in a while. I prefer the OP. Very nicely done Jon