Wood duck with morning sun

[Randy Stout]

This drake was captured recently on a local vernal pond.

Z6. 500mm f/4 at f/5 ISO 1100. 1/1000s. Taken from my little sled blind

Post: small crop from left for comp. Cleaned up a few spots in water, toned the whites down a bit.

Advice and comments always appreciated

Cheers

Randy

[gail bisson]

A very beautiful frame.
Love the BG water especially at the top of the frame.
You have a perfect HA and nice to have the open bill.
Good colors throughout and the iridescence has been shown very nicely.
Only thing I can suggest is to evict the whitish spot in the reflection of the breast,
Gail

[Dorian Anderson]

Steely water and calling action really make this stand out. Excellent low angle. I'd like to see a bit more room to the left of the subject if you have it. I agree you could evict the
one highlight on the neck reflection, and maybe the brightest one on the neck itself.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Randy, lovely Wood Duck. I like the view of the duck, nice colors, sharp details, love POV. Not so fond of the jagged reflection although I know you can not control that. I also second more room to the left if you have it. Thank you for sharing.

[David Roach]

Perfect details and colors on your subject, but the water takes this over the top for me. TFS

[Brian Sump]

Randy, I am not the critiquing pro but a couple of my recent shots have had specular highlights it has made me more aware. I see something just below the tail.

I have to say, however, this is a stunning photo. TFS!

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Cheers

Randy

[Daniel Cadieux]

Great colours (what else form a Wood Duck eh!), and the water is spectacular. Good suggestions already. I do wish the sliver of pale water along the left edge was dark grey all the way. The city has opened up some of the parks up here as of today...time to charge the batteries!

[John Mack]

Very nice. Love the color and those droplets of water on the duck.

[Gary Esman]

Randy, nice spring Wood Duck. Like the water droplets and background that makes him stand out. Nice open mouth, sharp and beautiful colors.

Gary.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks Gary:

Good to see you back on the board!! Look forward to your pictures!

Randy