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Thread: American Coot

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    Default American Coot

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    There was a large flock of these at my usual haunt so I spent some time shooting them....I was happy to see that this exposure captured the blacks nicely but the beak is a bit overexposed. Any suggestions?

    Nikon D3s
    1/320 sec at f10
    ISO 1100
    Taken at Bombay Hook De
    All comments welcome!

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    Hi Bob, there's a lot to like here (blacks and greys, nice reds, feather detail) but I do find the picture too crispy/contrasty. Also, what lens was used?

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Bob:

    I think Jack is on the right track. I would reduce the overall contrast, and reset the white point on curves to 240 or so. There still won't be any detail in the bill, they are just so smooth, but I think it will make for a more pleasing image.

    Coming from someone who takes lots of black and white bird shots (loons), I must say, coots are a challenge in anything but the very softest of light.

    Cheers

    Randy
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    BPN Viewer Dave Leroy's Avatar
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    I like Randy's comment about the soft diffused light from a light overcast day with no shadows. Other option is some fill flash. Excellent pose and nice low shooting angle.

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    I agree with the above comments, and would also like to see a bit more room below the reflection in the water. Perhaps you could fiddle a bit with curves/ levels or the shadows/ highlights tool to reduce the contrast a bit.

    Richard

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