TS #H98 comes in for a landing

[Jack Breakfast]

Hello! I've elected to torture some of you with one more tagged trumpeter swan from the trumpeter swan marina...taken with the Canon 7D and 200mm f2.8L, iso400, 1/1600 f3.2. The light was not easy to work with, that's for sure, but still and all this shot appeals to me. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts and suggestions? I know that some of you will prefer the image without the identification tags, but for me they are essential and cannot be cloned out. This here is about 60% of the original. Anyhow! A sincere and heartfelt thanks for your consideration...

[gail bisson]

Hi Jack,
I like the city skyline in the BG but the bird in deep shadow is an image killer for me. I would definetely work on the shadows and see what you can pull out. I would also clone out the black spot just above the bird's left foot.I am OK with the tags because it tells a story,
Gail

[Stan Cunningham]

That's awful tough light to work with Jack. As a biologist, I like to see the tags, but I agree with Gail on the shadows. I'm afraid fill light or even curves might cause you to lose too much on the bird but you can try. Great sharpness.

[Jack Breakfast]

Thanks for your comments, folks. I'm obviously quite happy with the image as-is, but I take your points well and see their validity, that's for sure. Much appreciated, Gail and Stan.

[Stan Cunningham]

Don't misunderstand me Jack, I think it's a great image as well and would be proud if it were mine.

[Jack Breakfast]

Thanks Stan, I didn't mean to sound defensive. One of those situations of tone not translating properly in print...many thanks for your comments, I appreciate them sincerely.