Northern Shoveler

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Who knew I would grow to really like such an odd looking duck?! On my second day at Merritt Island, I spent most of my time photographing these guys. They would come to within 20 yards of the shore - which was much closer than the pintails. The light, again, was very flat.

In post, I used a trick I read on here (can't remember who it was from), where you use Nik's Contrast filter and take it all the way down - applying it only to the bg. Really did a nice job!

I was wondering if there were any tutorials on adding a catchlight. I'd like to give it a try. Maybe not so much for this image, but for some others where the catchlight is faint and I want to enhance it.

Shooting info:
Nikon D800 | 500 f/4 | HH
1/1600" | f/4 | ISO 2000

Comments and critiques are appreciated.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Miguel, the tutorial was from Tony Tonal Contrast to smooth backgrounds. Good low perspective here and you have captured a great HA too. Good IQ for such a high ISO, and I do like the varied colours on the shoveler, together with the visible droplets. Isnt it lousy when you look forward to a shoot with great subjects, and the weather doesnt play ball.

[Faraaz Abdool]

Beautiful image, and quite an interesting looking duck too. Good low perspective and exposure given the flat lighting. Most times this diffused lighting is preferred (for me at least) as you don't have to worry about where shadows fall.

[Colin Gilyeat]

Very nice shot of a shoveler. I really like the overall look of the image, the colors, and exposure. Does't look like the flat light really caused you any problems.

Colin

[nick clayton]

I like the low angle with subtle colours, these are strange and great looking duck especially when they have a bright yellow eye like this one does Miguel

[gail bisson]

Hi Miguel,
This is really good!
Love the low angle and that perfect HA and the gorgeous eye. Good comp.
I might be tempted to clone out the little patch of "stuff" on area in the water in front of the chest.
No nits from me on this excellent shot,
Gail

[Satish Ranadive]

Miguel:
Beautiful image of shoveler.I like the pose,colors, nice BG and nice composition.
I have quickly tried to add catch light in PS.



Regards,
Satish.