This attractive female wood duck was captured in Cleveland, Ohio. Fairly late in the afternoon. Not the best of fall colors yet, but I thought what I had worked very well with her coloration.
Nikon D300 500mm f/4 with 1.4 TC f/6.3 1/1600s ISO 640 Manual exposure Gitzo/Wimberley II
Post: Curves, selective sharpening, selection and multiply on eye ring which usually blows out
I keep thinking it needs a bit of CW rotation, but even one degree is too much.
Advice and comments always appreciated.
Cheers
Randy
Last edited by Randy Stout; 10-10-2010 at 02:56 PM.
Nice capture, exposure, and shades of brown. Just a little tight for me. Would like to see more room on the right. The front of her head is a bit shaded.
I agree with you Randy, the water/BG colors work well with this female. The lighting is superb and you handled the exp well. I assume this was at North Chagrin? If so, the amount of vegetation in the water along with the lower than usual levels made for some unattractive settings up there this year (I was there this morning, didn't even take the camera out of the car) but looks like you and the duck found a good spot.
Alan, I agree about the shading. The sun was off to my left, but I felt that the turn of her head was enough to make the lighting work for me. I tend to like a bit more modeling created by directional lighting, increases the 3D effect a bit for me. I also think that the few water droplets on head and breast help brighten the darker side of the image. Appreciate your observations though!
Yes, taken at North Chagrin. The vegetation was a challenge. I moved all over trying to find a decent patch of clear water, low shooting angle, light angle, etc. This was taken on the little point of land where the path leads out to the right, about 20 ft. before you get to the boardwalk.
By the way, a big congrats on your winning Northern Shoveler image. I spent a few minutes inside looking at the images, always fun to see BPN members images out in public.
Randy, a quick try with the measure tool on the black bar of the speculum and lining it with the 3 reflections below gave 0.5 degrees which might be what you're looking for :D.
Very nice duck and sweet light Randy! My only suggestion would be some fill flash since the front part of the bird is too dark. I can see some details there but not enough.
Rotation looks fine to me, love the the low angle and perfect head angle and eye contact. I'm ok with the lighting, and tend to agree about it increasing the 3D effect and creating a special and unique mood.
Randy, I actually like the darker feel to this image. Good detail and colours on the duck, and the droplets on the head add interest, not to mention the two dangling on the chest. The BG is so complimentary, you couldnt have asked for better. A fine all round image.
nice image Randy. I am thinking the CW rotation you see is because of the wake she is putting off in front of her. Wonderful detail, like that big drop on top of her head.:)
Randy, I'm not sure how I missed this one. I like the female of this species as much as I like the males. Good suggestions already given. I think you nailed the color tones.
Female Woodie in late afternoon sun
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