Anhinga with a Mating Eye and First Catch Of The Day

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

This was taken early one morning last week when the lighting was still golden. The eyes of the anhingas during mating season are just gorgeous. It was a thrill to see this one with such a great catch. The crop was a bit difficult as this image was taken from the boardwalk and not always easy to get the best angle.

Nikon D300
Nikon 300 F2.8
ISO 640
1/1800, F 7.1
manual

All comments are appreciated.

[Krijn Trimbos]

A really cool capture Judy! Love the imposed action the light and of course the fish is killer! I would like to see this with a bit more room on the bottom. Also you might want to consider a little noise reduction in the BG. Otherwise very very cool shot!

[Anita Rakestraw]

I like this alot, Judy, partly because it IS an unusual perspective. That fish is great! The relative lightness of the anhinga's bill & eye serves as a good "bridge" between it and the fish. I find my eye going back and forth.

[David Roach]

Yes, a ranger at ENP calls them the David Bowie of the avian world this time of year. Wonderful light and the catch (with all fins extended) is awesome. Agree with Krijn, more room on bottom (see the v of the wake) and a round of noise reduction.

[Paul Lagasi]

Nice capture Judy, since the main focus is the Anhinga's catch and blue eye, I like the cropping the way it is. Agree with others, on noise reduction. I wonder what kind of fish that is?...Paul

[Dave Mills]

Hi Judy...I think you got a nice angle on the subject knowing the difficulty factor there. I agree with the others regarding noise and I would also like to see more on the bottom. Lighting is beautiful! Nice capture!
Also, a pleasure meeting you at Waco the other day!!

[Jim Fenton]

Interesting as I didn't realize that Plecostomus (fish) from the aquarium trade had become established in the wild?

Need for NR was already noted.

I would have preffered a bit more of a head turn and the head looks as though it could use a little more sharpening perhaps?

The actualy plane of focus looks to be just slightly behind the head where the birds body meets the water to my eyes?

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment and I totally agree it would have strengthened this image to have been able to capture more of the swirl but unfortunately this was taken from the boardwalk and just at the turn no less so it was a challenge to capture this at all. Because of the mating eye and the catch I felt I would post it anyway. I appreciate your critiques and do keep them coming !!!! Thanks!

[Raymond Barlow]

what an awesome image Judy, congrats!

[bill kominsky]

I too love it Judy and know first hand how hard to photographin the Wetlands, sometime when we make the image it is the best we can do and it should be taken into consideration, I love it and think it is great, and i thank you for sharing.

Bill

[Tony Whitehead]

Lovely light and detail on the Plecostomus and Anhinga. Main issue for me is the BG noise and apparent oversharpening of what looks like a significant crop. This doesn't detract from a dramatic moment but with some processing adjustment I think this could be improved a little. I think a bit more room bottom and right to make more use of the water and wake would improve the comp. Well done Judy.

[Ramon M. Casares]

I agree with Krijn suggestion, and also I would try some NS, but really a great catch, both of you! Congratulaitons!

[susanschermer]

Wonderful light. I know the boardwalk poses a problem, but you did well with it anyway. I saw the same action today, but the light was poor. Congratulations, my friend.