Theme: Straight down the BARREL: Spoonie Bathing

[Melissa Groo]

Canon 7D 500mm
1/1600s f/8.0 ISO 400
Gitzo tripod, Wimberley II, in waders

Took this out with James Shadle a month ago, Tampa, FL. What a memorable day!

Thank you for looking. All critiques welcome.

[Doug Brown]

Pretty interesting shot Melissa! You got the bill sharp and the eye also looks good. It's a really dynamic frame, with the wing blur and the water droplets flying everywhere! I like the placement of the bird in the center of the frame. Have you thought about a pano crop with some of the image removed from the top?

[Melissa Groo]

Here Doug, did a pano. I think that's a great tip, thank you. I like it much better! Let me know what you think.

[Grace Scalzo]

A browser scroll confirmed what I thought I saw, it seems to need a slight ccw adjustment. I like the comp of your original post best, but is an image that you can do alot with. Love how the water is pulled up, the sharp head and blurred wings. Thanks for sharing, a treat!

[Dumay de Boulle]

I prefer the first post...`the splashes and pose make for a really special image

[Melissa Groo]

Thanks so much for your input, Dumay and Grace, I really appreciate it!

[Daniel Cadieux]

That is really straight down the barrel!! Wonderful splashing action, this guy really seems to be enjoying its' bath :-) Both crops work in their own way, and both fun. Perhaps just a little bright, especially the whites.

[Melissa Groo]

Thanks much for your feedback, Daniel!