This bird is a real challenge, having plumage that uses up all (and more) of the dynamic range of the camera. Every picture I've looked at online has the white patch at the base of the neck blown out. I spent a fair amount of time trying to get the exposure right on one of these ducks, and found that the only way it works is in diffuse shadowy light. This one was taken just before sunset in the local duck park, which is quite nice. There are GBHs, cormorants, snowies, great egrets, and ducks of all kind.
50D, EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS + 1.4x @ 280mm
ISO 200, f/5.6@1/400sec
Evaluative metering, EC -2/3, Aperture Priority
WB set at 5100K
Hand-held, no flash
They are a challenge and you nailed this one. Exposure looks very good, lots of shadow detail. Central placement works very well here since you have the trailing wake and lots of room for the duck to move into !!! I like it a lot !!!
A big congrats on this on Kerry,
I like the composition and capture...the water color is superb...I like the placement of the subject in frame...:cool:
Ring-necked Duck
