Close-up Harlequin

[denise ippolito]

Canon 40D
500mm +1.4 ex
1/1000 sec. at f/ 7.1
ISO 400
Tripod
Shot on the Barnegat Jetty in Jan.

I added a Color Efex filter called Duplex. It is one of my favorites. I made some adjustments in photoshop. I liked the preening pose w/ the feather. To me she looks so sweet and innocent.

[Indranil Sircar]

Excellent composition, Denise. Love what you have done here with the filters and the photoshop.

[Kora Baker]

The color is delicious, denise. (Excuse the alliteration!) The bill looks metalised, and so well defined. And the eye has a beautiful soft, blown glass look. Lovely.:)

[Jackie Schuknecht]

I like the duplex here Denise, and the upturned feathers around the beak. I am wondering about a tighter crop to make it more like a portrait:)

[denise ippolito]

Thanks folks, much appreciated.
Jackie a tighter crop would make it look like more of a portrait and that would be good also. Thanks.

[Julie Kenward]

Beautiful, Denise! At first I thought this was a duotone image - it's gorgeous! I also like the idea of a tighter "portrait" crop and although I like the eye as is I'd also bet it would look good with a little contrast and sharpness so it catches even more attention. She sure is a beauty!

[Arthur Morris]

I like the framing as is and love the perfect head angle. It looks like a new species: the Black Harlequin:) The only thing that bugs me a bit is the very dark area left of the forehead.

[denise ippolito]

Thanks folks.
Artie, I agree-that spot which was deep blue in the original has rendered a bit dark. I'll lighten it up a bit. Thanks

[Christopher Miller]

Very nicely done, Denise. Love the pose and the color toning is beautiful. :)

[Paul Lagasi]

Black and white image works well here, lovely closeup pose, sharpness and detail rock..good work

[denise ippolito]

Chrisopher and Paul, I appreciate it.