Captured about a year ago at Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC. While still a wild bird this guy wasn't as skittish as most.
Shot w/ the 50D, 500mm f/4 handheld while kneeling, 1/250th, f/4, ISO 400 very minor cropping, shot from just outside min. focus distance ~15'.
The girlfriend thinks it is a perfect shot for the before of an Orbitz gum commercial. I wonder if the reflection in the eye isn't a distraction. The "lump" in there is two photog's and a shrub.
Brad:
You have captured his spunky nature very well.
Sharp on the eye and beak, well exposed overall. May be able to tone down the white patch on beak, but I think your overall balance is very good.
Shows the purple cheek patch well, with nice detail in the greens too.
I have mixed feelings about the mud. That is what they do, rooting around in the mud for roots and stuff, but it mars his beauty a bit.
The catchlight should be any easy fix if it bothers you.
Nice portrait, I don't mind the mud so much. At this close distance I think you could have afforded to bump up the ISO for more shutter speed, and a sharper image.
Wood Duck portrait
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