Cranky teenage trumpeter - Nikon Z6

[Randy Stout]

This trumpeter swan was quite cranky this morning, chasing around other swans, and generally being a pest.

Z6. 500PF. 1/1600s. f/7.1. ISO 280. Hand held

Post: LRCC and PS

removed a couple of spots off the ice.

Advice and comments always appreciated .

Cheers

Randy

[dankearl]

I like this "in your face " photo... what is your opinion of the Z6?

[Ian McLachlan]

So do I.Lovely detail. A really good look at the eye would been a bonus And can you add what you think of the focus following system.

[Ivan Sjogren]

A very cool action shot!
I think the pose is superb and very interesting, you got a good eye contact and an okay wing position. I also like the little jump with both feet in the air and the movement of the bird shown in the small motion blur.
The whites looks well controlled but I think the blacks looks a little blocked. Might be tempted to lift the shadows by a small bit. A lower shooting angle might have taken this to the next level. Also I suspect that you chose the square crop because of some distracting elements to the left. If not I would like some more room there.
TFS

[Randy Stout]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I will be posting some thoughts on the Z6 soon. Intriguing, but still some room for improvement.

Ivan: Yes, there was another bird to the left. I could remove it of course, but felt the pose worked OK with the crop as presented. Agree about the blacks. I will bring them up a bit. They are technically not blocked, but still could use some love.
I was as low as I could be shooting wise because of a fence at that site.

Cheers

Randy

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very eye catching I like the dynamic pose and the beautiful plumage, blacks aside I think this superb.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Lol, at the title and pose. I agree about the blacks, and speaking of, you could add a small catchlight on the dark eye in post if you wish. Nice whites and details. I can almost hear this fella from here!

[John Mack]

Nice pose here. Like the ice as well. Framing is nice. Detail on the bird looks pretty good to me.