In a rush above the water.

[Stu Bowie]

Although the BG is blue, this is actually a water BG. This is a Yellow Billed Duck flying across the Milnerton Lagoon in Cape Town during my December holidays. Its difficult to try and capture anything here, as different subjects fly across from both ways, so you are constantly twisting your neck looking for your next shot. I was alone. Taken early morning.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +2X TC = 600mm
1/2000
F/6.3
ISO 640

Hand Held

[Randy Stout]

Stu:

Excellent full downstroke pose, liked the details, the toe nail showing, exposure.

I like the slight detail in the background, but might try a version to pull a bit more detail/contrast out there.

You need to have a spotter!

Cheers

Randy

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Beautiful Wing position and Catch Light.

I might add a little bit of contrast to the image.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Here is a version with added contrast to the BG only. With PS CC 2018 latest feature - ' select subject ' it was a 30 sec job.

[Bill Dix]

Lovely flight shot with great down-wing position. Nicely composed. Repost brings it up a notch. I know the frustration of watching them go past you before you see them coming. You caught this one just right.

[Robert Kimbrell]

Beautiful flight pose Stu. I also like the catch light. Did you do any extra eye work?

[Glenn Pure]

Nice work Stu and I think the extra detail brought out in the background in your repost helps this. Great wing position, excellent light and great detail all contribute here.

[gail bisson]

Love the light and the great wing position.
I think the head could use another round of sharpening.
Yes, you need a spotter! Time to get Colleen involved!!!
Gail

[Mike Poole]

nice work Stu, great pose from the bird, and lightening reflexes! I agree a little more sharpening on the head won't go amiss

Mike

[William Dickson]

Perfect flight pose. Nice detail on the bird, and I like the BG colours. Agree that a little more sharpening on the head would look good.

Well done Stu.

Will

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I like the repost.
The wings down are perfect in my opinion.

If you come down to Cape Town in early July with us, we can have three spotters (incl. you!) :D :D :D

[David Salem]

This one is about perfect in my books Stu!! The light angle could not be any better and has created beautiful colors without any shadows and fantastic details. I shoot a lot of ducks and I can tell you this is about as good as it gets!! Well done buddy