Here's looking at you

[Dan Busby]

Moving right along with the swan theme, I was crouched low at the shore shooting Bufflehead when a family of Trumpeter Swans moved over my way. This one youngster took an interest in the strange object (that was me) and swam over to take a better look. I was set up for more distant and smaller targets so my only option was to go the closeup route. Love the developing colours on the beak and the stains between the eyes. All C&C welcome.
Canon Mark IV, 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x, ISO:800, f/8@1/640, Manual exp., AI Servo AF, evaluative metering, Gitzo tripod, leveling head, Jobu HDII gimbal
24Nov2011

[Gary Esman]

He does not look real happy Dan. Nice expression, like the straight on look and fantastic details. Very nice

Gary.

[Marina Scarr]

Very nice and sharp with a lot of details, Dan. I think I may have an idea who was photographing with you on this particular day bc I recently saw a nice picture of a bufflehead. :) Your exposure looks really good and I love this vertical crop with that head on pose. Hope you will post a Bufflehead.

[Dan Busby]

Actually, I WAS going to post a Buffy Marina but after seeing so many great shots of that species today I thought I would try something else. But I do have one or two in the lineup. Thanks!

[dankearl]

Dan, nice details and expression.
It is a tad bright on my monitor, I think a bit darker exposure would bring out even more detail.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

LOL I love it. Nice high key great detail and I like the water drop on the tip of the bill.

[Randy Stout]

Dan:

Looks like he has that intimidating swan look down pretty well.

Very nice details, sharp, straight down the barrel.

I think it would show slightly better with a thin dark frame to separate it from the gray background.

Cheers

Randy

[Chuck Fritsch]

Very nice eye contact. There is no doubt about where he is looking. That drop on the end of the beak is a neat touch.

What do you think about the bottom section of the neck where the feathers are a bit crinkly and sharper? Might you like the image better with it cropped off?

[Stu Bowie]

Dan, I like this lots. Excellent head on capture, tack sharp with oodles of detail, and love the splatter of colour against the high key. That droplet adds interest.