This image was made in Cape Town, the grey colour of the water a result of the reflection of table mountain in the BG.
Noticing this reflection I specifically moved and lined up and waited for some action, after a while the heron obliged and I got the shot I was waiting for.
Canon 1D mk3
Canon 500 f4 + 1.4 TC
ISO 640
App f7.1
SS 1/2500
Exp comp +0.3
Good preplanning and timing on the image. Lovely splash, excellent exposure.
I think the composition is effective.
The head isn't quite as sharp as I would like, so consider another pass of USM. I suspect your focus point was further back on the bird, since the torso and feet look sharper than the head.
In a perfect world I would wish the angle in the frame was just slightly different so the head didn't merge with the wing.
Very nice. Its always fun when you visualize a shot and it comes off!
Hi Dave! I like the way you visualized the image that you wanted and then waited for the opportunity to present itself. Randy has some good points. I would also tone down the whites. Since the bird is taking off, I'd like to see a little less canvas at the bottom and a little more up top.
Very well timed Dave, that you have captured the trailing water from the feet. Great angled take off posture, and as Doug stated, a little off the bottom. Having said that, you could then create a vertical comp.
Like the timing here Dave. I would maybe crop in a bit tighter and lose the reflection.
Love the water trail from the 2 feet. Well done and worth the wait.
Thanks to all for looking and for comments.
Revised image attached.
I have changed to a portrait crop and added some canvas above the bird.
I have rotated CW a touch
I have selectively sharpened the head and neck.