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Thread: Flying Mandarin Duck

  1. #1
    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    Default Flying Mandarin Duck

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    I managed to get some flight shots of the this local sensation...
    I blurred the BG as sharp eyes here will notice.
    I hardly ever do that these days but this bird is special and I may not get another chance
    for a flight photo.
    D500, 420mm (300 w/1.4), f4, 1/2000, iso2500

    1DS_6779bp2.jpg
    Dan Kearl

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    Super Moderator arash_hazeghi's Avatar
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    It is unique and I do like the bird but the NR has really taken its toll on the image the feather details are lacking and a bit soft. Also the blurred BG doesn't work for me, it looks artificial and unnatural.

    TFS
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  3. #3
    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    zThanks, Arash, I agree on the blur which is why I mentioned that I did it.
    the BG was just too funky so I tried to salvage the photo.
    Mandarin ducks are not a dime a dozen so I may never get another chance,
    although the duck is staying so far at my local pond so you never know...
    The details on the duck are not tack sharp because I use 1/2000 to
    save iso but it is not really fast enough for ducks in most cases.
    I did use some NR on the duck, probably did not need to....
    Dan Kearl

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    Very cool pose and great to get this one in flight. I agree with Arash/yourself on the blur being a bit unnatural. The bright green vegetation cutting through the birds head is not super ideal, but you may be able to burn it to be less noticeable. Hope this guy sticks around for you. TFS

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Congratulations on getting this rarity in flight. I can appreciate the decision to blur the BG, but agree with others that it is not working well here. There is an aura of blurriness right around the bird, esp. the head, that could be fixed if you so desired, but that wouldn't address the underlying problems. If mine I would certainly keep it until you get another chance - hopefully you will - and I might consider going back to the RAW to have another go at the NR and BG.

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