Sharon Prislipsky, APSA, EPSA
April 2026 - Skimmer
Original
About the Image(s)
On a recent trip to Merritt Island we were lucky to find a small flock of skimmers repeatedly feeding on calm water in early evening light.
Canon R5; Canon100-500mm lens with 1.4 teleconverter (700mm), handheld
ISO 125, 1/5000 sec; f/10
Back button auto focus, animal eye tracking spot metering
Denoised using DXO Deep Prime; cropped in Lightroom. I adjusted black and white points, tweaked white balance, then added vibrance and saturation.
I intend to use this image in the PSA Annual Nature Exhibition so I must follow the PSA editing guidelines. I welcome your suggestons for improvements that can be made within those parameters.
10 comments posted
Stunning composition; strong stories both natural and fantastical; amazing detail down to the drops of splashed water, and even in the reflection; leading lines, triangles, and that brilliant orange beak combine to make this image a gem. Congratulations. Posted: 04/04/2026 15:51:02
Thanks for your comments, Judith. Posted: 04/12/2026 13:09:53
I echo what Judith said. Wonderful image. The wake from the bill makes it a standout. One thing I might try is to add a touch of clarity to the water and possibly adjust it's saturation a touch. Something just worth experimenting with and comparing. If you're permitted, there are a few small white spits that I would remove but that's only a nit pick. Great shot. Posted: 04/07/2026 14:18:21
Hi Mike, I always keep two versions - one for Nature compoetitons and another where I do a bit more eidting. I will follow up on you suggestions. Good advice, as usual. Posted: 04/12/2026 13:11:12
Sharon, Wonderful shot of a very hard subject to get perfect. You captured the Skimmer well with no signs of the usual problems of top being too bright or shadows underneath on the belly side. Wing position is good as they don't produce shadows underneath the wing feathers. Great catch light in the eye and a super reflection. Spots of concern and I know they just can't be removed are the few white drops of water and the back water swirl above the wing. I'm not sure how to handle either. Posted: 04/10/2026 20:34:14
You know those nature editing guidelines...so I guess I have to live with those spots. They always say that a good natue story outweighs minor flaws, but my experience has been that nature judges want reality plus perfection :) Posted: 04/12/2026 13:13:25
Nice capture, the lower bill cutting through the water with the light in the eye is as good as it gets. A couple of minor considerations are to slightly darken the top of the frame and remove the two or three bright white droplets on the water. The out stretched wings and the angle of the bird and wake are perfect. Posted: 04/11/2026 17:53:26
Thanks, Polly. Of course Nature editing guidelines prohibt removing anything except by cropping. The only solution is to have two versions - one for Nature competitions and one for use in situation where those rules do not apply. Posted: 04/12/2026 13:15:28
What a beautiful bird and great capture of the action. Great job handholding and the fast shutter speed stopped the action. The calm water really worked in your favor producing a stunning reflection. Nice catch light in the eye and detail throughout. What a skill for them to skim across the water with just the bottom bill in the water to catch a meal. Everything works in this image. I wouldn't change a thing. Good luck in the competition. Posted: 04/12/2026 20:38:52
An eye capturing image from the start...graceful shot of the skimmer doing what it does best. Its outreached neck depicts a great sense of movement coupled with the waterline action of its beak. Nicely done with capturing the shadow. To me this is a lovely image competition worthy so best of luck. Posted: 04/15/2026 19:12:21