Red-throated diver

[Gordon McKechnie]

Another from my Shetlands trip. I was quite pleased to see these birds for the first time, but it took a long time for them to come anywhere close enough for a pic. This is about 75% of original size. Weather was also quite grey & dull (not surprising for the Shetlands...)

Canon 50D
100-400mm @ 400mm
f5.6 +1.33
1/1250
ISO500

As usual, all comments much appreciated

[Marina Scarr]

Great job on getting bird out of the water with some wing flap. Your exposure looks good as I can see details in your whites. What I am seeing is a picture that needs some rotation and some pop in color. I also added some canvas on top and recropped. I am confident you could do even better optimizing this capture with the original file.

Marina Scarr
www.marinascarrphotography.com

PS: I am looking at them both now next to each other, and I am not sure I am seeing that much difference.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Gordon, very nice capture of the loon. These birds are quite a challenge due to the unusual coloration of the plumage and the very fine feather detail which is hard to reproduce. I agree that the original is a bit centered and could use a little color and contrast. I like Marina's repost, just enough added punch to help the bird stand out from the water and the framing seems nicer to me. Nice work on the exposure and color rendition in general, good control of the whites with nice detail. Good job!

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Gordon,

What a beautiful bird. Love the feather detail under the wings, very unique. Must have been dull light like you said, to add 1.33 stops (+ bumped the ISO) and still keep whites in check - nice exposure work. I like the picture and Marina's repost helps lighten some key areas. Eye area could use more as well. This was a great trip from a birding perspective, how long did you stay.

[Gordon McKechnie]

Thanks for the advice. I was there for a week, so was quite happy with the number of shots I came away with.