Male Greater Scaup

[Scott Grant]

Taken with D300, 300mm f4 and 1.7X Nikkor converter. 60-70% of original frame.

1/500 sec
f11
ISO 400
Beanbag on snowbank for support.

I wished for a lower shooting angle but was held behind a snowbank, which also provided my cover. the snowbank was literally plowed into the saltwater. the only way to have gotten lower here would have been to take a swim in 4*C water! :eek:

However, i do like the reflection i got from the higher shooting angle.

ps....the little floaties in the water are ice forming as the temps were around -10*C or so.

Thoughts or suggestions?

[Rene Quenneville]

Great colors, especialy in the water. You could, if you feel it is ok, remove the floaties in order to clean the reflections. I think you also need a little CW rotation. Beautiful picture.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I would definitely remove the "floaties". They are too small anyhow, and not obvious as to what they are hence don't bring much to the image. Also needs CW rotation as mentioned by René. With the subject smallish in the frame the comp would be improved if placed even closer to the right of the frame. I like the smooth ondulating pattern of the water!

[Grace Scalzo]

In addition to the above, I'd try to open the shadows in the head up. Great water.

[Fabs Forns]

Great comments and I'd try and placing closer to a corner because he is small in the frame.

[Scott Grant]

Great colors, especialy in the water. You could, if you feel it is ok, remove the floaties in order to clean the reflections. I think you also need a little CW rotation. Beautiful picture.

i couldn't see why i needed the CW rotation initially Rene. after looking back at the image a couple of times i do see what you mean. thanks for the comments!

[Scott Grant]

I would definitely remove the "floaties". They are too small anyhow, and not obvious as to what they are hence don't bring much to the image. Also needs CW rotation as mentioned by René. With the subject smallish in the frame the comp would be improved if placed even closer to the right of the frame. I like the smooth ondulating pattern of the water!

thanks for the advice Daniel. i'll try a different crop!

[Scott Grant]

In addition to the above, I'd try to open the shadows in the head up. Great water.

i like it too!

i've already lightened the head considerable, Grace. i was a little apprehensive about going to far. maybe i could have pushed things a little further?