Drake Northern Shoveler

[David Salem]

It's that time of year again. Waterfowl season!! Lots of ducks moving into my area over the last few weeks. This beautiful mature drake was captured at last years "Ducks Unlimited" workshop. We have already had a great response this year and we only have two spots left if anyone is interested in a fun time shooting in So Cal.

1DX---840mm---f6.3---ss1/4000---ISO640---HH@8:15am---30%crop

Thanks as always for looking and for your input. I appreciate it.

David

[Ross Taylor]

Hi David,

This is an exquisite shot! The only thing I wonder is if you think the eye could use a little localized sharpening?

Thanks for posting this beauty, David.

Ross

[Bill Dix]

Another fabulous flight shot. Perfect wing position, great exposure. Shows all of his colors and textures to perfection. Wish I were there.

[David Salem]

Thanks so much Ross and Bill for your input. I always appreciate it.

Ross, not sure what you are seeing but this is a really sharp image. Might just be the yellow color against that dark green thats making it look funky to you. This is one of the sharpest shoveler images I have. I went back to make sure that I wasn't mistaken so here is a 200% crop showing the head. Looks pretty sharp to me?

Thanks for looking out. I appreciate it.

[Grace Scalzo]

Fantastic image, David. Clean and crisp. Loving the tucked in feet.

[Jim Crosswell]

Great image David! I like the wing position, IQ, composition and sharpness at 200 percent is amazing!

[Ross Taylor]

Hi David,

Yes it is perfectly sharp at 200%.

I cleaned my glasses and it still looks a little off to me in the original. I think what throws me off is the position of catchlight that softens some of the transition of the black pupil to yellow eye (from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock).

Sorry David! But thanks for helping me learn something new :)

Ross

[David Salem]

Thanks Grace and Jim.

Ross, no problem. I see things sometimes that makes an image appear a certain way, then look at later and see it in another way:e3 The bottom-line is we're all learning every day. Thanks again.

[adrian dancy]

Looks pretty amazing to me on all points:) Nice work David!

[Marina Scarr]

Wow, this is an impressive BIF. The colors are exquisite and a perfect pose.

I'm hoping to see and photograph this species next month at your workshop!!! Can't wait. I've seen ducks but never in such brilliant plumage.

[Karl Egressy]

Wow, David this is fantastic. This Duck looks best in flight when it shows all those nice colors and patterns.

[Glenn Conlan]

Very sharp. Great wing position and excellent exposure on a tricky duck with lots of contrast

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent light, wing position and BG. eye and everything else look tack sharp to my eye.

it was great shooting together, see you soon

[David Salem]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I appreciate them.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dave, you absolutely nailed the wing position here, and not to mention the overall exposure too. Love the yellow eye against the dark green of the head. Did I mention how sharp this is. :w3

[William Dickson]

Terrific capture David. All been said above, which I agree totally. Just one thing to add. Hope I can do this one day :S3:

Thanks for sharing

Will

[Dennis Behn]

Man this is one great shot! I like the head angle, wing stroke, orange on thr feet and the superb focus. Very, very nice.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent flight shot. Superb colours and details.

Regards,
Satish.

[Doug Brown]

Technically excellent and very dynamic! It's tough to pick up the green on head and the wing in the same frame. Nicely done! Can't wait for the workshop in January!

[David Salem]

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[Kester Clarke]

Magnificent image! Couldnt ask for better!

[gail bisson]

I am very late to the party but holy crap this is a terrific image.
The IQ and sharpness are amazing!
Gail