Hen and the Art of Wingtip Touching

[Brian Sump]

I feel such high expectations when I do get out to get keepers because opportunities may be harder to come by. What I thought was going to be an unproductive day yesterday morning turned this out.

I will say that she was a good bit out from shore. I cropped here to approx 50% hoping IQ held up ok (still 4100 px).

And yes, I do have one with the full reflection. Debated which to post but this one felt right.

D850
600mm + 1.4x
HH
ISO 1000
1/3200
f5.6

Post in C1P and PS. Contrast and highs down, sat and shadows up a bit. In PS, curves on mids and shadows, brightened the blue wing a touch, fixed a couple small water spots and bkg. Touch selective sharpening.

[dankearl]

Its a bit past you and the head is a bit soft.
I think maybe a crop with the reflection would work better.
It would appear sharper and the angle not as noticeable.

[Brian Sump]

For perspective. And yes, I saw the touch past even but it's so minimal....

[arash_hazeghi]

love how the wings are touching the water, it's really neat. If the mallard was just slightly angled towards us this would have been a contest shot. details look good it looks like it can take a touch more sharpening

TFS

[David Roach]

I like both versions and the pose is 1 in a million. Very valid tech points taken, but this is a contest winner IMHO... TFS

[Brian Sump]

Humbling comments you guys, thank you. Should I ever have thought I'd shoot something contest worthy it would be a great day :-)

[Daniel Cadieux]

The repost is much stronger IMO. Beautiful greens, and of course the feathers skimming the water is pretty cool.

[John Mack]

Very nice timing indeed. The green water is a very nice touch. The downstroke pose is another plus.