Black necked stilts mating

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Canon 1D Mk 4, 300 2.8, 2x TC
1/2000, f8, iso 1600, manual, almost full frame
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Park
Bit of S/H, curves and NR on BG.

Self critique:
I went as low as I could go, but wish I could go lower.
I was setup for BIF when this action transpired. I wish I had reduced iso for this.
It's somehow lacking punch. Any post-processing tips appreciated!

[Randy Stout]

Sidharth:

Good timing and self critique. I am not sure however if going lower would have improved the image because of where the background shore would fall.

The light was obviously soft and that coupled with the ISO has taken a bit of the snap from the image, although I don't find it objectionable.

Well exposed and sharp. The females head position is great, wish the males was a bit more our way.

Cheers

Randy

[Joe Senzatimore]

You hit all the points yourself. Still fine image of the behavior and captured well for being done "on the fly".

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent behavior captured well, I would sharpen the stilts a bit more and pop the contrast. great job!

[James Shadle]

Very nice capture. It never fails, set up for flyers, something low to the ground will happen.
Another fine decisive moment image.

IMO this image would be improved by having more room at the top. Enough room to accommodate the wings if extended.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Thanks, guys, for the feedback.
Arash, about 10 points of contrast and sharpening made a ton of difference. That gave it the punch it was missing. Thank you!

[Ofer Levy]

Fantastic behaviour shot!