Backstroke Delight...

[annmpacheco]

This is a definite favorite of mine from South Texas last week, pretty much sums up what most of the birds were doing and what i wished i was doing while photographing them! It was a terrific workshop by Hector Astorga at the Santa Clara Ranch. Gail B. and I had another wonderful adventure. I am happy to say I have switched to back button focus!, For me, a "game changer" I started using it from the beginning of the workshop and honestly, it felt more intuitive, natural, and I'm very excited about my opportunities now!!! It's an individual thing of course, but Im a happy camper!

1Dx
600mm
iso 1600
f 7.1
1/3200

[Isaac Grant]

This is sweet Ann. Such a unique pose and the colors are fantastic. You can just feel the relief of a nice cool bath on a hot day. I think you could do a couple of minor adjustments here that will make a big difference in final presentation. I would add a little clockwise roatation as the water and clay (?) in the background are both higher on the right side of the frame. I would take some off of the bottom and add more of that amazing orange on the top (hopefully you have some more in the frame) because I don't think the reflection adds as much interest as the water drops and that sweet orange color. Lastly I would lower the exposure a tiny bit on the bird and burn a few of the brightest areas and then reduce the orange in the beak a little. All subtle and easy changes that I think will really make this one sing even more than it already does. And I set up your camera in MN with back button focus!!!

[annmpacheco]

Thanks Isaac for your suggestions. My set up now for back button is very different, in MN you set it up for "zone AF" anyway, Im loving it.

[John Mack]

Pretty neat. Love all that splashing water. Like the composition. Is this a Cardinal?

[annmpacheco]

Pretty neat. Love all that splashing water. Like the composition. Is this a Cardinal?

oops, yes John, female northern cardinal

[William Dickson]

Lovely action covered Ann. Love the colours throughout and the POV

Will

[Paul Burdett]

Hi Ann. Lovely to see "something different". Amazing capture and colours, and the water droplets add so much to the vibrant feel. I agree that the exposure could be lowered a little.

[John Whaley]

Wow - I love this one Ann. A beautiful color palette. The splashing water and wet messed feathers make it dynamic. I especially like that the beak is visible showing the the Cardinal is laying on his back. Agree with suggestions made below.

[Bill Dix]

A unique shot for sure; always nice to see something different. Good comments made above.

[gail bisson]

I love the reds and oranges in this image- reflects the heat of the day very well!
Great POV and love the title and the pose of the cardinal.
I feel this image is too tight. If indeed this little guy in doing the backstroke, he needs some room to swim into!
I would add more space above and right and take a bit off the bottom.
Really unusual pose that makes for a unique image,
Gail

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Really Cool Image. I like it a lot, like the water droplets etc.

Thanks for sharing.

[annmpacheco]

Thanks everyone, I agree with your suggestions.