Mallard Profile

[Lynn David Cole]

Mallard - Baytown Nature Center - Baytown, Texas
Canon 20D - Canon 400mm f/5.6 - f/5.6 - 1/200 sec. - ISO 400
109627

[Alan Murphy]

Nice detail and sweet BG. glob on beak is a little distracting.

[Lynn David Cole]

Thanks Alan,

I thought about the fuzz on his beak, but I'm reluctant to start cloning a photo that is supposed to be natural.

I would like others' thoughts on cloning guidelines for nature photographs.

[Frank Schauf]

Nice sharp portrait.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Hi Lynn! Cloning is a personal decision that every photographer must make for him/herself. Some refuse to do it, which is fine...others do it, which is also fine. There is no right or wrong answer. If you decide not to then you can always "scout" for individuals that are in better condition or without fuzz or other imperfections (that includes pluamge condition...this one looks a little ratty in mid-molt). Easier to do with tame "park" mallards than with other types of birds. Anyways, good job with the exposure and the details look great! Nice background. I'm wondering if you could have moved right to eliminate the OOF ducks at the right edge?

[Lynn David Cole]

Thanks Daniel,
I think I will try for a cleaner model next and pay more attention to the background.
Lynn