Out for a Golden Duck

[Morkel Erasmus]

The pun in the title will only be apparent to people who come from cricket-playing nations ;)

Went out for some long overdue shooting on Monday after weeks of non-stop rain. The action was more subdued than usual, but I was very happy to get this shot of a yellow-billed duck.

Vignetting added in CS3. Very little other PP done than normal levels, sharpening etc.

Your comments much appreciated...

Techs:
Canon 1000D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 340mm
f6.3 @ 1/160 SS (thanks Canon IS!!) @ ISO-800
Exp +0.3

[Harshad Barve]

Morkelbhai
I am bold over for duck by you ;):D
Beautiful image and grand settings
TFS

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Maybe a little lower angle bro, but I love the dark water and the framing. An exceptional piece of work my man! Well done!

[John Blumenkamp]

Hey Morkel, I really like the tones of this one (love the side light here), and also the glance out of frame of the duck. I agree with Akos about possibly a lower angle, or maybe just a little more crop along the bottom? Nice work!

[Phil Ertel]

Hi Morkel, This is nice! I really like the mood of this image. I think you have used the side lighting very effectively. On my screen (laptop) you have both good details and sharpness. Since the reflection is not clear, may I suggest an alternative crop of just below the reflection of the head. Not necessarily better just something to consider. A lower angle of capture would accomplish the same thing. Thanks for sharing a lovely image.

[David Fletcher]

Oh! Good title and love Harshad's reply. Nicely done and love the color and detail.

[Steve Maxson]

Love the moodiness and the side-lighting here Morkel. I also like the comp though I could see a crop off the bottom, as suggested by Phil, to eliminate some of the bright water which tends to draw my eye away from the duck. On my monitor the plumage looks like it may be a bit oversharpened. ?? Well done.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for all the wonderful comments everyone...
will look at a closer crop and reducing sharpening

[Gerrie van Vuuren]

Like the light, HA & eye contact. Well done.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Gerrie...