Cape Teal take-off

[Chris van Rooyen]

Another take-off image from our local water purification works - this time a Cape Teal. The light was starting to get a little bit harsh, and the light angle not ideal either, but you work with what you have. Crop about 30%

Camera Model: NIKON Z 9
Date/Time: 2023:01:01 7h37
Shutter speed: 1/5000 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Exposure mode: Manual
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 2000
Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

Processed with DXO2 (noise reduction), LR and PS

[Dorian Anderson]

Yeah, steep-ish light was working against you as evidenced by shadows on neck and underwing. Face looks sharp, but there appears to be some falloff as you move out from there. It's not terminal, but it is noticeable.
My biggest issue is the busy background. I usually suggest getting lower, but i think you would have ended up with more of the tangled reed behind if you'd done that. But a solid frame all around.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks Dorian, I agree with you on all the points. Background is too busy for sure.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Yes, agree with he comments as well, plus the image is a bit bluish from the hard light. You could warm it up if you wish. I love the wing positions, and the texture of the water surface on the bottom half of the image. Good looking duck!

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks Daniel, I see what you mean with the bluish cast. Definitely could do with some warming up.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Chris ... a very nice starting scene captured with the wings well presented .
Lighting was difficult but you did well with exposure and details ... nicely done .
BG is what it is , but could be tamed by even out the different tones and colors .... and you you will then have a more pleasing URC .
Personally i would remove the blue/ cyans from the Teal and warm up the whole image a bit .

TFS Andreas

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the suggestions Andreas, all good ones. Will try them out and see if I can improve the image👍