Redhead Duck Pair

[Stephen Stephen]

I've not had much time to get out lately so I was pleased to see this pair of Redhead ducks (a first for me) this past Sunday morning. The weather was not very good for photography with dark, low clouds and a steady drizzle. It forced me to use high ISO and very low shutter speeds most of the time. I purposely avoided using fill-flash so as not to disturb the ducks as they fed.

All that being said I was able to create a few tolerable images of this pair of ducks who were very tolerant of my presence.

My thanks to my friend Dan Cadieux for giving me a heads up about this pair. ;)

Canon EOS 40D, Sigma 50-500 mm at 363 mm,1/160 sec, f/9.0, ISO 640 on Induro Carbonflex tripod (80% of full frame). Topaz denoise applied

[Brent Stephenson]

Really nice shot Stephen. I like the BG and reflections, and both the male and female seem nice and sharp despite being at different distances with a good choice of aperture. I also like the differing and equally pleasing HA on the two birds. I'd be tempted to crop a little less and leave a bit more space on the outside of both ducks to equal the space between them. Otherwise a really nice capture making the most of what you considered less than perfect light, but which has resulted in a beaut image.

[Marina Scarr]

Considering the conditions under which you were working here, I think you did very well. Both birds are acceptably sharp even though they aren't on the same plane. The head angles are complimentary. You may wish to try lightening up the male's eye just a tad to give him a little more of a pop. Finally, it's nice to see the male admiring his mate. :D

TFS.

Marina

[Stephen Stephen]

Thank you Brent and Marina. Marina I had thought about lightening the male's eye. Not sure why I didn't before posting. I just wish that his head angle was better.

I'm hoping that they stay around for a while so that the males colours will improve.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Hey Stephen, glad you were able to locate and photograph this pair. I like the comp, and both HAs work for me. Nicely exposed considering the very bright background. I too am hoping they stick around a bit more!!

[Connie Mier]

I really like this a lot, beautiful feather detail and the position of the birds is sweet.

[Stephen Stephen]

Thanks Dan & Connie. Dan I hope that we can both spend more time with these ducks.