Who is the fairest?

[Roger Williams]

Early morning image from a local urban pond.

Canon 40D
Canon 500mmL f/4.0 IS + 1.4 ex
ISO 400
Aperture: f/6.3
SS: 1/1600
Gitzo GT3530LS
Mongoose 3.5a

Comments welcomed.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I am not sure why it would be soft around the eye as your shutter speed was more than adequate. A little more sharpening may help with that. Maybe a slight CCW tilt too?

I love the reflection and pose. Very graceful and a nice moment captured in time. :)

[Dave Barnes]

I also find this one a bit soft. did you run a noise reduction over the bird?
I like the reflection and pose.
Have you considered a horizontal comp with a bit taken off the top and added to the right?

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the composition and light. I agree regarding more sharpening and wish the bird were angled toward you.

[Dave Leroy]

Great timing Roger. I like the nice soft look to the bg. and the colours. Dave