Those yellow eyes

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Today was a dull and overcast day. I wanted to capture the coot running on water. But not enough light for that. So I decided to lie down with the bean bag and do some low-level shots. I knew there was this sweet spot within my range where I will get even toned FG and BG with minimal variations. Waited for someone to swim by. This Lesser Scaup drake obliged after 15-20 minutes.

I have increased saturation to full in the RAW tab of DPP. Wb set to auto. Since everything else was gray, only the eyes got a little extra saturated. I liked that effect. And they are not too far from reality.

I'd have liked the duck bigger in frame but I dont want to crop more as some sharpness suffers.

40D. 400f5.6 at f/6.3. iso 640. 1/250s. on bean bag. exp. comp +1 2/3. flash comp. -1 1/3. NR in neat image.

All comments welcome.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Kaustubh, I feel the center placement works well here, and of course getting down and dirty for the low angle puts this a notch higher. Those eyes eyes certainly do stand out, even in the overcast conditions. Well thought out and captured.

[Scott Frye]

I like the stare down and how the scaup emerges from that background. Good shot under difficult light

[Manjesh Lingamurthy]

Hi Kaustubh

Nice shot under difficult conditions. Like the eye contact. Center placement works here, as both the foreground and background are blurred.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Pretty cool, the grayish water and low angle make the eyes stand out even more. I might sharpen the head a tad more.

[Dave Leroy]

Nicely done Kaustubh and good for your patience.
I also like the centre placement.
I might also consider a crop off the bottom, about half or so. It seems to me to add to the low look of the shot.
And good for you to know your equipment so well.

[Fabs Forns]

Although I'm not big on reposting, this one seemed a little flat to me. I cropped, did an S curve to it and selectively sharpened the eyes as suggested by Axel.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Thanks Fabs for taking the time to work on my image. I like the idea of more contrast...something I always struggle a bit with when dark details are involved. Will go back to the RAW file and do that. W.r.t crop, the repost seems a little left-heavy to me. But I get the idea and will try out some things on it tonight.

Thx everyone for all the good suggestions.

[Connie Mier]

I really like the black and white effect here, the bit of yellow is nice touch to it. Very well composed.