Red-breasted Merganser

[Bob Decker]

Another shot from the kayak along North Carolina's Crystal Coast. 40D, Sigma 50-500mm @ 500mm, f/7.1, iso 400, 1/800, ev +.67. RAW conversion via CS3, sharpening, noise reduction and curve adjustment in Photoshop.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Bod You sure get some great opportunities photographing form the boat !!!

Like the pose and bg, would take some from the top just personal taste but would work either way. Did well with the exposure , whites are right at the edge. For birds like these I sometimes go over and sacrifice the whites for better shadow detail then try to work some magic on the conversion process and PS ... doesn't work all the time but worth trying !!!

[Dave Mills]

Hi Bob, Agree with Al regarding the crop on top. It would keep your eye from creeping to the top. Good position within the frame and agree that it's not the easiest bird to expose properly due to the whites and blacks. The angle of light is also important in how the light plays on the colors...

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Bob,
I too love the low angle on this and I agree about cropping from the top. I love the head turn and the feather detail. Well done!
Best,
Nicki

[Peter Farrell]

Nice image of a togh one to get close to. I like the comp as is, with maybe a little more on the left.
Peter

[Bill Dix]

Great angle on the bird. I've had trouble shooting from a kayak, but you've done nicely. Agree on crop suggestions above. Handsome image.

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Love your capture. HA, eye contack and BG. Would also take some of the top.