This image was captured a number of years ago, but never processed. I came across it as I was consolidating old files. He is about two months old at this point, and getting ready to fledge. They still check in with their parents, and get snacks and a little love, but are def. becoming more independent and spend much more time on their own.
D700. 500 f/4 with TC14II, f/6.3. Fill flash with better beamer
Post: Small crop for comp and to level. Removed some small spots in water.
A really nice shot that would make most shooters happy to own. I did think at first the IQ was a hair off, and reading your words made me realise that although the technical improvements are incremental, I think the same shot with the latest gear might have given a bit more detail in the extremes of the DR
I hope that doesn't come across as critical, more a a tech issue, as a I doubt there are many non pixel peepers like us the could tell a difference!
As for the shot itself, the low POV is perfect, and I love the HA slightly towards the camera, and the way the water fades from the dark foreground to the much lighter tones towards the top of the frame
Nice POV and I love the dark rings created by the wake.
The smooth transition from FG to BG is perfect.
Great HA.
Must be awkward to shoot with better beamer in the boat!
Gail
Excellent critiques above by Mike and Gail. I absolutely *love* the gradient created by the green foliage and the dark water. Great techs overall and POV is killer! I might brighten the eye a touch, but I'm not familiar with this species so I'm not sure if it'll render the bird unnatural. Man, you really are king of the loons!
A very, very nice shot Randy!
The gradiently greener water is excelletn and the reflection is really, really beautiful. The IQ looks good to m but Mike raises a good point.
I think you composition is spot on, the pose is strong and the processing alright. I would darken the whites on the breast and lift the whites on the head just a tad as they (whites on the breast and the head) are competing for attention as is.
Ooh, this is pretty nice. I love the dark surroundings, and especially love the green concentric circles. I'm sure the teaks you agree with will take this even higher on the notch factor, but man this is very appealing.