Mute Swan up close

[John Chardine]

I couldn't resist posting this image of an adult Mute Swan. The species is native to Europe but has lived long enough in North America to be considered a "landed immigrant". In our small town the two females are put out in the "Swan Pond" every spring and sheltered for the winter. They are pinioned and cannot fly. Nevertheless, this does not reduce their absolute beauty.

Canon EOS 40D, 500mm, f4, 1.4 tcII = 700mm
capture date: Sunday, October 26, 2008 3:43:51 PM2
exposure program: Manual
ISO speed: 400
shutter speed: 1/500
aperture: f5.6
exposure bias: +0.0
metering: Pattern
flash: OFF

[Lana Hays]

John
Wow....you certainly got a great deal of wonderful detail with this closeup. Is the top of the head just a tad hot? I actually didn't notice it at first.....just keep looking at that eye and surrounding detail. Well done.

[John Chardine]

Hi Lana- I very carefully checked the histograms during exposure and processing and the whites are not blown. However, they could look blown depending on how each person's monitor is set up.

Thanks for the comment.

[Lana Hays]

John
Given that I've been grading essays all day.......my eyes may be blown:)

[James Salywoda]

Stunning shot John full of wonderful detail and your composition works for me .....

[Alfred Forns]

Love it John !!! Would only take out the little bit of green at the upper left corner !!! Big Congrats !!!