Congratulations Tim!
Nikon D7100
300mm F/4 Handheld
1/1250 @f8.0 ISO 320 Shutter-priority
RAW capture pre-sharpened in LR. WB and exposure as shot. Topaz DeNoise on BG in PS and output sharpen on subject only. 100% FF - no crop.
I was shooting ducks landing across a pond when this guy shot up right in front of me - it's only by pure luck that I caught him in the centre of the frame and in-focus. I like the shot but hate the drab and busy BG. Tried blurring it a bit but that looked fake to me. Any suggestions other than replacing it completely, which will also likely look somewhat fake?
As an aside I have learned more in the last 3 weeks in these forums than months of trial and error. Thanks to everyone who comments - praise or criticism it is greatly appreciated!