It was a rough winter in Central Arkansas and bird photogrpahy oportunities were few. So these guys - who we generally regard as a nuisance bird - were subject matter I had to resort to. They are pests, but they can be entertaining.
This was captured early on a cold morning. I was amused by they startled look they have when the hit the water.
Settinggs: IS) 1000; f/8; 1/2000 sec; center weighted metering
Canon R5; Canon 100-500mm, handheld; using back button auto focus, AI Servo and animal eye detection.
After cropping I adjusted the white and black points, tone curve and contrast. I applied polarization and Pro Contrast in Color Efex and selectively adjusted saturation a luminosity. I also did some dodge and burn to lift shadows in the wings and beaks and brighten the whites.
6 comments posted
Pamela Hoaglund
Nice action shot. I think your crop works well in bringing the geese to the forefront and emphasizing them and the action as the main focus of the image. I think you caught the action at just the right moment and your fast shutter speed stopped that action. I wonder what the right goose is vocalizing. There is nice catch light in the eyes. I think you have opened up the shadows just enough so the viewer can see some definition in the underside of the wings. If I had any suggestion it would be to remove the three or four white dots on the left side in front of the reflection. Well done. Posted: 03/12/2025 14:37:03
Sharon Prislipsky
Thanks, Pam. The spots can't be removed under Nature Division rules, but if I ever use this in a open color section that is a good suggestion. Posted: 03/13/2025 10:56:06
Judith Lesnaw
I love this image. The water splashes, outstretched wings, expressions and reflections hold my attention, and tell a story. I would ease the crop to include the reflection of the head of the bird on the right as it provides pleasing symmetry. Posted: 03/13/2025 20:46:54
Polly Krauter
Fun to watch geese and duck ski into a water landing. The goose on the right announcing his arrival is what makes this image for me. I like the reflection of the trees in the water, but if you add more space on the top we will miss the goose's open mouth. So I like your crop. The only comment I have is consider lighting the right primary feathers behind the goose's head on the right. It might make his neck and head stand out a bit more.
Posted: 03/16/2025 12:53:26
Tom Brott
Another top notch image. Camera settings are right on for stop action of the geese landing and stop action of the splashing water. Perfect timing so the feet are still visible but they are still creating water splashing and tails. To my eye the only concern I would like to see is in the back goose. The underside of the back wing - I would like to see it a little lighter to create some separation between the wing and the dark head of the goose. Posted: 03/16/2025 14:59:26
Mike Cohen
I agree with everyone's comments. Brightening the tongue of our talking goose might help in that regard as well as directing attention to the star of the show. The white behind the head could be lightened a bit too. Nice image at the perfect moment. Posted: 03/20/2025 16:00:44
