American Dipper

Nice to get a dipper in the viewfinder. This image has a clear flashed looked to it however. You mentioned it was dark under the forest canopy. I've never been a fan of the better Beamer. Yes, it makes the flash reach further but has a strong tendency to cause this flashed look due to the focused nature of the light if not really needed for the reach.  You didn't say what flash model you were using which would help figure out if a Beamer was really needed.   Even the smaller 430ex has a guide number of 43 meters. 

Good detail and a nice find, Allen.  I like the pose.  The flash is a bit obvious, but it doesn't sound like you had a lot of choice there.  Part of it might have been extra reflection of the flash off the water.

The detail in the Dipper is very sharp Allen. I agree with the comments regarding the use of the flash. I think it's tough to get the flash to work in your favor. There is a learning curve. But I also think it's worth it once you figure out a method that works. It's something I definitely need to practice. Nice Image, great comp & low pov.

Very nice feeding action which we don't often see images of with this species Allen.  The image looks overflashed to me.  Did you dial in any negative compensation on the flash?  I use a better beamer regularly and I don't have the issue with it that Keith does but I almost always dial in negative flash compensation when working with flash during the day. Usually something like -2.0

Nice job capturing this Dipper, Allen. The image has an obvious flashed look to it. I do not use a flash very often but I find that with most of these smaller birds, you are close enough that the Better Beamer is not necessary, and I usually dial back my flash quite a bit for these situations.