Head on

Often, “head on” shots of birds do not work well. It is difficult to get the entire bird’s head in focus and it is difficult to see the eyes so the image is not engaging. This shot, an Eared Grebe, is different. Because the bird, in breeding plumage, has bright red eyes and golden yellow ear tufts, the most interesting parts of the bird stand out. This was shot in North Dakota with the camera held just about the level of the water. R52, 600 f/4.0 iii, SS 1/4000, EC +1.0, f/8.0, ISO 2000. Processed in PS with about 50% crop. Bright reflections on water were brought down with little else done.