So far, this is my favorite shot of my Portland pond images. I like the degree of sharpness, flight pose, and background.
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Iso-640, 500 mm F5 .6 PF at F7 .1, 1000th, 70% full frame, handheld, D 850, Adobe camera raw, Topaz adjust, TK sharpening action at 5%
(If backgrounds have been removed, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
David, you nailed this one. I’ve looked at it and what’s not to like? I wish I could get one coming at me like that. Surprises me that you got that sharpness at 1/1000th sec. I appreciate that it’s not easy getting these kinds of images, makes me like it all the more!
Jim
David, a truly excellent image. The head-on take is as good as it gets. I agree about your points with regard to DOF, sharpness, and the BG as well. Not much to add beyond saying it all came together very nicely here…
btw: this one gave me recall to a flight line I worked on at Elmendorf AFB in AK. I always thought the landing C-141’s with their landing gear down and full flaps looked like ducks at this point in flight…
Great achievement, birds-in-flight coming towards you are the real challenge. Love the intent and focussed look of the duck, the overall comp and the great BG colors. No nits, great shot ! Cheers, Hans
Good stuff, David. That’s really neat timing getting the wings in a weird position. The focus looks tack sharp, and the direct eye contact is great.
Ditto what everyone else said. 
This more centered comp works well here. Great focus!
That is really neat, David. You nailed the focus and I like the angle of the incoming duck. I also like the red and gold of the background. Excellent work.
Hi David, Ditto the positive comments on this image - I like the head on look and the water is great too. I like the flared tail also. Very well captured!
The colours, detail, lighting, and pose all come together wonderfully to make this awesome image! Wouldn’t change a thing!
