Red-breasted Merganser "A Colorful Transformation"

[James Salywoda]

Red-breasted Merganser
Southern, California

Well when shooting ducks I really look for colors that go well with the bird especially when shooting on water.
I was happy with the colors in this shot as I feel they worked well with thisMale Merganser in transition to breeding plumage this is a very striking species.:)

Nikon D300 AFS 600 F4 1.4 TC
1/1250 F8 ISO 500

Thanks For Looking
Jim

[Phil Ertel]

Hi James, I like this image. Your exposure looks good as I see good details throughout. I also like the colors. The orange bill and blue wake make for a pleasing contrast. The reflection is nice is my opinion and I like the smoothness of the water. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

James, I love this image and everything about it from the excellent detail, eye contact, reflection and the smooth water. Awesome image and congratulations !!!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the calm water, reflection of the sky, eye contact and reflection. The area underneath the bill looks noisier than the rest. Did you run NR on the reflection?

[James Salywoda]

Thanks Axel I missed a spot.... I ran noise reduction on the bg:D

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Thanks Axel I missed a spot.... I ran noise reduction on the bg:D

I might try to exclude the reflection of the bird when running NR.

[Willem Verboom]

NIce shot James too me the picture looks razer sharp Well done!!!! Colors are olso very beautiful.And the reflection is a + in this picture.

Willem

[denise ippolito]

Jim, Beautiful water colors to compliment your Merganser. I like the reflection and the sharp details.

[Bill Dix]

Lovely colors indeed! I agree that the water color is the perfect compliment to the orange beak and red eye. Good sharpness, exposure and composition. A handsome image.

[Jim Crosswell]

A real beauty James! Nice detail, great reflection and BG too.

[Arsdel Fluesmeier]

Great colors andgood use of contrasting colors.

[Doug Brown]

I like the calm water with a matching color. I see a halo on the front of the neck, and I might remove a few of the spots on the water in front of the bird.

[Harshad Barve]

Yet another winnier from you , special hairdo:D and colors of water are too good
TFS

[Suzanne Huot]

all of the above ,Beautiful image and capture

[Chris van Rooyen]

Lovely species, great sharpness and lovely background. I notice a slight sharpening halo below the throat?

[James Salywoda]

I do see a bit of halo under the throat thanks for the comment always appreciated.;)