Canon 1D3 400 DO lens f/4.5 @ 1/250s. Manual exposure, AI Servo AF
Subject @ 13'6" distance. Flash set in E-TTL, +1/3
Cleaned up some discoloration in the upper eye.
I think just a tad more space above the head would have been good, but this is not a crop....
I wish pintails were as tame around here. I agree that backing up a few feet would have helped as well as a lower angle if possible. I would leave only one catchlight in the eye.
Your self critique on more room is right on.....even for me who likes em' tight........I would also agree with the above as to more dof......just enough for a bit more sharpness.