Mallard at Sunset

[Colin Knight]

I had a nice 5 shot series of this guy coming in for a landing late yesterday. Another image, not as good technically, was posted on the Eager to Learn forum. I think this one might be up to this forum's standards.

This is probably my best ever duck shot. So I'm thrilled with it, but objective opinions are so important. Tell me what you think.

50D 500mm f/4
f/4
1/2500
ISO 500
Handheld

[Tom Walters]

Its a lovely shot, nice background, nice lighting and exposure, crisp feather detail. The one thing I might have hoped for is for the bird to turn his head just a tiny bit toward you just to light up the front of the face. (Thats being picky though), well done :)

[Bill Jobes]

You have every right to be thrilled with this shot, Colin -- it's a beauty! :)

My only observation is that since it's backlit, some of the beautiful green feathering near the beak is lost in shadows. A Shadow/Highlight adjustment in Photoshop will likely recover some of it.

I'm also curious about the vertical light banding. While it's not a serious distraction, it does cut across the symmetry of the water ripples.

These are mostly discussion points -- and I revert to my initial comment: It's a stunning photograph!

[Colin Knight]

Its a lovely shot, nice background, nice lighting and exposure, crisp feather detail. The one thing I might have hoped for is for the bird to turn his head just a tiny bit toward you just to light up the front of the face. (Thats being picky though), well done :)

Thanks so much for the "warm" reception. I was wondering if I would get comments that the WB was too warm. It seems that at least some will agree that it fits the late evening scene.

I agree completely about that head angle! I just look at it and shake my head wondering what could have been. LOL

Thanks for the C&C.
Colin

[Colin Knight]

You have every right to be thrilled with this shot, Colin -- it's a beauty! :)

My only observation is that since it's backlit, some of the beautiful green feathering near the beak is lost in shadows. A Shadow/Highlight adjustment in Photoshop will likely recover some of it.

I'm also curious about the vertical light banding. While it's not a serious distraction, it does cut across the symmetry of the water ripples.

These are mostly discussion points -- and I revert to my initial comment: It's a stunning photograph!

Thank you Bill. And yes, how easily those green heads turn black! The light has to be just right.

Your comment about the verticle reflections is well taken. It's a faint reflection from trees at the edge of the pond. I'm thinking they'll stay though. I take a lot more pleasure in a wildlife image if it has minimum PP.

Thanks again!
Colin

[Tom Walters]

I like the WB 'as is', it definately gives the feel of a warm evening light, but maybe im just looking for warmth after looking at all the snow here :)

The head angle is a small thing, something you just cant control though, great picture anyway :)

[Colin Knight]

I was looking for warmth too. That pond (partially iced over) was cold with uninsulated waders. :)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very nice landing pose, water colors, sharpness and good composition, too. Some of the highlights are a bit overexposed, should be easy to fix since it is most likely due to jpg conversion. The white balance looks right when it was close to sunset. If it were mine, I might clean the bill. Well done!

[Colin Knight]

You're correct, Axel. All highlights were preserved in RAW. I was wondering when the bill cleaning comment would come up. :)

Thanks for stopping by.

[Steve Maxson]

A stunning, sharp photo with the head turned just slightly away. I like the warm color tones and I too would probably clean up the bill and maybe remove some of the specular highlights on the leg. :)

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

This is stunning Colin. Love this image for its color and careful crop/placement of the bird in the frame. I would too suggest to ''clean'' the bill.

And could post it as a larger version since this deserves to be presented larger. Great job.

[Stu Bowie]

Colin, I can see why you like this. Lovely colours thoughout, and the light is just right. Overall sharp, and agree a slightly better HA would have worked well.

[Colin Knight]

Thanks, Steve, Juan, and Stuart. Your C&C is well taken.

This will be presented to the landowner who has been kind enough to let me photograph on his property. I'll take all of your comments in to account when preparing the final print.

[David Thomasson]

Wow, Colin, very nice! Nothing wrong with your metering on that one! :D:cool:

One way to get back some green in the shadow area below and in front of the eye: Open
a curves adjustment layer, push a big hump in the green channel, change blend mode
to screen. Put a black mask on that and paint with white in the shadow area.

[Colin Knight]

Oh yeah, Dave. I knew that. ;)

Thanks as always!

[Ted Willcox]

Nice sharp image the placement of the subject in the frame is excellent. Maybe a bill clean up?
Ted

[Colin Knight]

2 for cleaning the bill now? :)

Thanks!

[RAM MALLYA]

Lovely action captured in perfect lighting

[Colin Knight]

Thanks, Ram!

I think I'll submit this one to a local photo contest.