Ms. Mallard portrait

[Kerry Perkins]

The male usually gets the spotlight and I thought it was time for some equity, so here is a lady who was happy to have her picture taken. My first go at a bird "portrait", so let me know what you think. Shot at a local park last weekend, late afternoon sun.

50D, EF70-200mm f/2.8 IS + 1.4x @ 280mm
Partial metering, f/5.6@1/250sec, ISO 200, EC -2/3, no flash
Aperture Priority, WB@5100K, AI-Servo focus using back button, hand-held

C&C appreciated, thank you!

[Stefan Minnig]

Kerry,

Very nice first bird portrait. Sharp and HA is good to me.

Congrats and I look forward to many more of our feather friends.

Stefan

[Desmond Chan]

Looks like you have some good light there. Sharpness and details look good to me. BTW, what is that highlight in the eye?

[Lance Peters]

Hi Kerry - nice first try at a bird portrait :) Nice HA and eye contact and sharp details. Exposure looks very good as well - Nice.

I would try and lighten the eye just a tad and maybe a little more room on the LHS.
A lower shooting angle would have been worth a try as well :)

[Kerry Perkins]

Thanks guys.

Desmond - the highlight is the setting sun.

Lance - I was on my knees and that was as much commitment as I was willing to give at the time. :D:eek:

[denise ippolito]

Kerry, nice portrait,great details-would maybe lighten eye as suggested by Lance. BG water is gorgeous!!

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Kerry,
This is dead on...I like it very much, just do the tech. tweaks that were suggested by Mr. Peters, and you have yourself a wall hanger. well done Sir. :D Looking forward to your next one...:cool:

[Christopher Miller]

Nice portrait! Agree with Lance's suggestions.

[Alfred Forns]

Its a nice one Kerry !!!

My main comment would have been going lower but you answered the question already ..... understand going to ground level in areas of heavy duck traffic is not the smartest thing at times !! :)