Black Skimmer at sunset

[John Whaley]

Taken at sunset. I love to watch these sociable, acrobatic and interesting birds. Unfortunately there is some debris below this crop. In a perfect world I would have liked a larger reflection. 1/2000, f5, auto ISO-500, +0.3 step, 500mm. 500 f4E FL, D500.

[Bill Dix]

Perfect skimmer pose, and the late afternoon light is lovely. Given that the reflection is less than mirror-like, I think the crop is fine the way it is. I'm guessing that if you had gone to f/7.1, and/or boosted the SS, the D500 would have handled a higher auto-ISO just fine. (But since I don't have a D500, alas, I'm not sure.)

[Stu Bowie]

Hi John, I like the light in this, and this is one bird I really need to capture skimming as you have. I realise the Skimmer is probably coming in at an angle, but I tried a version with the wake parallel to the frame. WDYT?

[John Whaley]

Thank you - better. I have to get the stars to line up for these shots, especially the calm water. I am shooting handheld out of my skiff so it is a fun challenge. Sometimes they get one.