Mandarin duck

[Mike Poole]

Rather than just try and post a series of my best shots, I've gone for a subject that I personally really like and have pretty easy access to, so hopefully any suggestions I get can be acted upon.

I have a real soft spot for Mandarin ducks - they don't look like they belong here in Manchester - and when I walked past them in this strong light I went for something a bit different

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Canon 1d3, 400mm f5.6L, ISO 1000, 1/3200th f5.6, 50% crop

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Hey Mike,

With their array of colors and feathers, I'm not sure they look like they belong anywhere! :)

The strongest part of the image for me is the splash of the water that follows the wings' pattern. The wing position is a bit awkward, but that's not anything you can control.

I'd say keep shooting this guy and see if you can get a bit better head angle. Looking forward to more!

Miguel

[gail bisson]

I like what you were going for with this image. Good POV.
I wish for a better HA and more detail in the blacks ( which is hard because of the light direction and strength).
I would clone out the specular highlights on the bill.
Looking forward to more images of this beauty in the future.
Try to get them a bit closer ( do you have a 1.4X) by lying on your belly with a camo sheet draped tightly over your tripod to minimize your profile. Also early in the day or later in the afternoon is always better for light,
gail
Gail

[Mike Poole]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions