White-faced Whistling Duck - Up-close and Personal....

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi all,
I took this last weekend at the Slimbridge Wetlands. He was giving me the eye for quite some time!
40D 100-400 @ 400mm
ISO 640
AV F8 1/400 sec
Hope you like him and look forward to your c & c's!!
Best to all,
Nicki
:)
PS I hope that all my friends in Florida are staying safe and are not too affected by the storm - thinking of you all...

[Doug Brown]

Excellent photo Nicki! Probably your best yet IMO. Love the composition and the way the bird blends in with the BG. I might sharpen the light feathers around the eye some more.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Doug!
Thank you for your very kind words. I have sharpened the area around the eye as you suggested - does this look OK? I'm never quite sure if I am over-sharpening...
Many thanks!
Regards,
Nicki

[Lance Peters]

Gorgeous Nicki - no nits from me - Your best!!!! :)

[Doug Brown]

I probably wasn't clear about what I meant. I would sharpen just the light brown feathers above the eye, but not the eye or the white feathers around the eye.

[Gus Cobos]

Lady Nicki,
This is excellent as presented. I really like this one...this one is a keeper...good show...:cool: The detals in the feather is razor sharp and the color rendition is very pleasing. The pano frame takes this one over the top...:cool:

[Stephen Cunliffe]

Nicki,
this is extraordinary, very good indeed. Reminds me of Japanese No theatre.
What was the background which made this work so well?
Stephen

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Thanks guys! Stephen, your comment about No theatre intrigued me. I like the idea of a stylized minimalism in any type of portrait and perhaps we don't see it very often in bird photography! The BG was actually very OOF grass which I blacked-out using the burn tool.
Regards,
Nicki.

[Harold Davis]

the reflection in the eyes is awesome!!!! almost two pictures in one!! fantastic job, nicki!! love it.

[Oscar Zangroniz]

You never cease to amaze me. Agree on of your best post. Excellent details, composition and very sharp.
A big congrats Nicki.
Regards,

[Julie Kenward]

Excellent image, Nicki. I think you've found your groove, girl.

[Katie Rupp]

Stephen's No theater comparison really hit a chord with me, Nicki. It is so dramatic, love the contrast, the eye, composition and the mystery. Big Congrats!!

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Nicki Another vote for you best posted image !!!! Just perfect for my taste That eye placement in the intersecting third sure sets it off and the dark bg could not be any better !!! Very appealing and beautiful !! ... white phase whistling duck !!!