Galapagos - Santa Cruz - White Cheeked Pintail

[Claude Ostfeld]

White Cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis galapagensis)

Nikon D700
Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6D
400mm
1/320
f/9
ISO 400
0 EV
No Flash
Program Normal
Date and Time (Original) 2010:08:21 05:06:00 PM

[Paul Guris]

To me, the image almost looks like a painting. Did you have to crop it really, really hard? I've sometimes seen this same effect on my own photos when I'm cropping out 2/3 or more of the image.

[Claude Ostfeld]

Hi Paul,
I did crop the image. I am uploading the uncropped version. Possibly the oily aspect of the water may be due to the relatively low shutter speed (1/320). I like the reflection on the water which is why I uploaded this picture. The pintail was not going fast. I did not make any heavy post processing changes to the image.

[Gary Esman]

Very nice reflection. I am thinking you are right about the shutter speed. Look like the focal point is on the back tail feathers. I have the same issue with birds in flight. By the time I focus and complete the shot it is already out of focus. Oh well, if this was easy I would get bored with it quick.:) Is the camera very old? Looks liek it may need a sensor cleaning...picking up small particles in the foreground water. TFS

Gary

[Jeff Parker]

Nice reflection, but as Gary pointed out, the head is not in focus. A lower angle would work better as well.

[Danny J Brown]

Great comments above to learn by. The head is lacking in detail and shadowy around the eyes. In most images it's critical to get that head, eye, face area tack sharp to make the image compelling.....not a rule......just a recommendation. I learned all this stuff from Artie and I'm just passing it down the line.:) Keep 'em coming!

DB

[Dan Avelon]

not sure what has happened but the image looks like a water color painting :)