male Bufflehead

[AlvanBuckley]

I found a pair of rather tame Buffleheads yesterday and took advantage of the opportunity to photograph them and practice exposure compensations with the black&white male.

ISO 320
-1/3 ev
f/5.6
SS 1/800
Nikon D300s + VR 80-400 @ 400mm

C&C always appreciated!
thanks in advance
-Alvan Buckley

[Norm Dulak]

Hi Alvin, good work on a tough subject.

I commend you for achieving feather definition throughout the very difficult white and black tonal range. My main suggestion would be to try to work with the eyes now, selecting and brightening them very carefully to make them a bit more prominent if possible. I might also crop out some of the blurred water at the bottom of the image, perhaps up to the first central dark area in the water.
Thanks for sharing this image!

Norm

[Bill Dix]

Nice vantage point and head-on look. I wonder if a little bit of s/h on the bird would bring out some more color and detail in the dark areas? Too bad the eyes aren't visible. Another vote for a bit off the bottom.

[Peter Farrell]

Good exposure on this one. Your lucky to find a cooperative version of this species
I agree that trying to brighten the eyes would help.
Peter

[AlvanBuckley]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone.
I'll have to start learning more PP tricks to deal with the eyes.