Bufflehead on the run + repost

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Repost:

BH
BH1920×895 1.22 MB

BH.jpg
BH.jpg1920×1097 956 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

I saw this bufflehead at my neighborhood lake. They like to stay a good distance from me but the 800mm lens and R7 was enough to pick up this take off shot.

Specific Feedback

Any thoughts on my cropping of this image?

Technical Details

Canon R7, 200-800mm lens, handheld
ISO 800, f9, 1/4000s

Processed in DXO PureRaw 4 and Photoshop.

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2

This is really nice, Allen. I’m glad you left the splashes in as it demonstrates how fast this bird is moving with the sixth splash behind just starting to subside. The semi-new point color adjustment in LR could be used to bring the head colors out a touch, if you were so inclined. It’s not really true to nature, but it can add some pop.

3

Hi Allen
Like Dennis, I think the splashes add to the store of this Bufflehead trying to get air-born. Nice work.
Peter
Ps I am not a fan of the new layout, I spent a lot of time, trying to figure out what was wrong with my Mac. I like to all the photographs grouped together.

4

Allen - Wonderful catch! All I get from these guys (and most ducks) is the ass-end going AWAY from me.
Excellent water splashes. A bit more colour on the head would be icing on this fine cake.

5

Allen, this is a fine catch of the take-off action that so many water birds use. The splashes are nice and sharp. I’d say that your crop does a fine job of telling the story about how these birds take off as it emphasizes the splashes and the “running across the water” action.

6

@Mark_Seaver @Dennis_Plank @Sandy_Richards-Brown @Peter_Morrissey
Thank you for the comments and suggestions! Based on that I did a rework giving bird and surroundings a little more pop and cropping in a bit more. What do you think?

7

Allen - excellent re-work! Now it’s “popping” very well!

8

Very nice job on the repost, Allen. It has a lo t more life now.