Male Horned Grebe

[kevin Hice]

This was shot in a slough in Nd.Using my float-able blind Been trying to get some different grebes, funny how you can go fifty mile one way and find other species. None to the south but had this one fifty miles to the north supposed to be more common closer to the Canadian border in the Turtle Mountains along with Red Necked Grebe.
On this particular morning had quite a few chances but the fog would roll in and out. Presented me with lots of unique colors constantly changing I guess because of the refraction.I would get an opportunity but the Grebes would be sitting in the part of the pond with fog. Eventually I did get some opportunities.
I have been hesitant to post some of the other frames because I struggle with processing in general but especially with fog.I used ACR clarity and dehaze sliders. On some of my frames it seemed to add more noise even though it helped with the clarity.Processed with Dpp 4,Photoshop,neat image to background only.
I removed some artifacts between the reflection on the bill.Comments and suggestions always appreciated.
Canon 1DX 111
500 f/4 L IS
Av
7.1
700 mm
1/640
ISO 3200

[Daniel Cadieux]

Yep, as you say, the fog is apparent with some haze throughout the image. With the sun piercing through and such vivid colours you do want to get rid of that haze, and in this case a simple "Levels" adjustment by sliding the shadows slider by 30 points (to taste really) did the trick in PS. A 5 second tweak once you know what to look for. As a bonus this also resulted in richer colours. Your float-able hide seems to be working beautifully. What a great subject with good reflection and a perfect head turn. Striking breeding plumage you got him in too.

[Brian Sump]

Daniel's adjust was not only educational, it was magic!

Beautiful capture Kevin, nice pop of colors on the eyes, mask and necks and stunning colors on the water. The bow and stern wake add also.

If you have the canvas, might try for a 2x3 or 5x7 for a touch more on bottom but I'd take this in my portfolio as-is. TFS!

[arash_hazeghi]

beautiful shot Kevin, love the low angle and the clam water. orig was too washed out. Dan's repost is much better although a tad on contrasty side for me. the yellow channel hear the eye is blown and can be recovered in raw. do you have the DPP4 guide?



TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Kevin, nice low perspective from your floating hide. A Grebe species I have not seen before. Lovely swimming pose, striking colours throughout the Grebe, and I like what Dan has done.

[John Mack]

Love the mood and the low angle. The reflection is great. Framing is spot on.