Michigan Wood Duck Flap

[Randy Stout]

This fine fellow was captured last week through the courtesy of my friend Roy vanLoo. A small vernal pond that is quite popular with the Woodys and sometimes with a variety of other visitors. It is deep in the forest, and even the trees haven't leafed out yet, lighting is always a challenge.

Z6 500mm f/4. ISO 4500 1/640 s, f/4. Shooting from my sled blind, sitting in a few inches of water, camera on the same seat/pedestal setup that I use in my loon boat.
Used the rear screen flipped out so I could keep the camera low and look straight down at the screen. One of the applications where mirrorless is a huge advantage over Live view.

Post: Full frame. cleaned up some OOF water spots one wings, noise reduction on background only. Clone stamp over a few dark splotches reflected in the water.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[dankearl]

Randy,
I have to say, compared to most all of your excellent work this seems a bit subpar.
I realize the viewpoint you had and it is fairly high ISO, but the IQ is not there for me.
Are you finding the Z6 frames better than your previous DLSR's.

[John Mack]

I like the idea behing this one. Wish the wings were more in focus. I know that would be a tough one though. The water drops are neat.

[Steve Kaluski]

Nice to see a different POV Randy, but perhaps going more symmetrical may have offered a better option? If its cropped then I might look at going wider as an alternative option? Like the detail, vibrant colours and droplets on the head.

TFS
Steve

[Randy Stout]

Thanks guys for your honest opinions. What I liked about the shot was the sense of motion and the lovely color palette. Not all birds are black and white!
Steve, this was full frame.

Randy

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

A nice and different perspective Randy, I am glad we can see that eye and the wing spread is great. Nice action and droplets.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hey Randy, definitely a different perspective that I like. This view shows off the feathers wonderfully. Maybe as Steve suggested a looser crop. Thank you for sharing.

[Arthur Morris]

I like it a lot both the view and the motion. Again, I would have preferred it wider.

with love, artie