Why so Serious

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

I made this image in Gilbert Ranch, AZ last weekend

Camera Settings:-
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Nikon D850 600 f/4 + 1.4 x TCIII
1/800 sec; f/5.6; ISO 1600
Manual; Matrix metering
Fill Flash




Post Processing:-
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Raw Processing using C1P
4:3 Cropping
Nik 25-25 Filter on Bird at reduced opacity
Tonal Adjustments in Viveza
Neat Image NR
Sharpening for Presentation
Dodge selectively
Clonned few minor white spots on face.




Let me know your thoughts and comments.


Thanks
Krishna

[Ivan Sjogren]

Very nice frame Krishna!

The light is very beautiful and the reflections of the water on the chest of the bird is lovely. I also think the pose works well as the bill pattern and those red eyes are the things I associate with Coots. The blue water and the green streaks look okay as well.
I do think the comp and crop is a bit tight and I'm not a fan of the square comp either, it feels tight especially at the bottom. I would also like a more symmetrical body position, equal amounts of the body on either side of the head, as this image is all about head-on symmetry. Then a true vertical comp would enforce the pose you are ging for. But that is just a personal opinion. You got great details and exposure anyways!

[Tim Munsey]

That one grabs your attention, can see the need for a little more space but it does bring the attitude home as it is.

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Very nice frame Krishna!

The light is very beautiful and the reflections of the water on the chest of the bird is lovely. I also think the pose works well as the bill pattern and those red eyes are the things I associate with Coots. The blue water and the green streaks look okay as well.
I do think the comp and crop is a bit tight and I'm not a fan of the square comp either, it feels tight especially at the bottom. I would also like a more symmetrical body position, equal amounts of the body on either side of the head, as this image is all about head-on symmetry. Then a true vertical comp would enforce the pose you are ging for. But that is just a personal opinion. You got great details and exposure anyways!

Thank you. I appreciate your detailed comment. I really helped me.

I did not have canvas on the Bottom. I wish I had more space on the bottom. I was lying on the edge of a lake and did not get chance to frame the bird properly to have more space at the bottom. Next time I will keep it in mind.

I also thought I could have stopped down more, but again I did not get chance to do so.

With this image, I tried following crops 1:1, 3:4 and 4:3

Of all the crops I like 1:1 square and 4:3

I choose the latter.

[Dorian Anderson]

Great view of this often overlooked species! The direct stare is really striking! I agree the bird is very close to the bottom of the frame. I also wish the body was a bit more squared-up to achieve maximum symmetry.

[William Dickson]

Love the facial expression...Really nice colours throughout, but got to agree about more space on the bottom.

Will

[John Mack]

Love the title on this one fits it very well. Low angle is right on as is the light. Yes to some more room below.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love how some birds look evil from straight-on like this. The Wood Ducks, they too with their red eyes, gave me some similar opportunities up here. Sharp where it needs to be, and good details. I'm OK with the overall pose, but bummer it came in too close! I'd likely remove the oof specular highlights on the coot's body if mine.