Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Another wood duck for your perusal

  1. #1
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,403
    Threads
    194
    Thank You Posts

    Default Another wood duck for your perusal

    Ah, folks...allow me to submit a wood duck hen for you. This is a photo from last summer that I recently found. Among the last photos I took with my cheapo but effective Nikon D90 & 70-300VR. Taken at 230mm, iso400, 1/400, f7. The image has been given a slight levels tweak & usm. I don't normally take portraits like this, and certainly I have many other full-duck shots, but there are a few things about this shot that appeal to me and I would sincerely appreciate your comments and suggestions. Taken at one of our local duckponds at the lowest possible angle; I even annoy myself mentioning this! Many thanks for having a look...
    Name:  possibo.jpg
Views: 61
Size:  240.5 KB

  2. #2
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    SW Michigan
    Posts
    14,112
    Threads
    820
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Jack:

    Nice subtle colors showing, sharp, drops, all good.

    The crop aggravates the impression of shooting down on the bird, and if you don't have any more room below, I would def. consider cropping down from the top, which changes the impression of looking down so much on the bird.

    Her head is turned slightly away, and I would try to recover some details in the whites on the neck.

    Cheers

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

  3. #3
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,403
    Threads
    194
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Randy, your comments are insightful and thoughtful. One bit of truth is this: I'll agree that shooting at a steep angle is not ideal, but I think such shots bother me less than most on this forum. That said, you're quite right...cutting off some of the top would be a wise idea. By the way, your I.N. quote is fantastic...I've never heard that one before...

  4. #4
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    SW Michigan
    Posts
    14,112
    Threads
    820
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Jack:

    I think the appreciation for a lower shooting angle grows on one over time. Look at Frank's mallard just below you. Very engaging to be at that viewing angle, at least for me.

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

  5. #5
    Roman Kurywczak
    Guest

    Default

    Hey Jack,
    Agree with Randy's assesment. Kneeling or sitting would have given you a more pleasing shooting angle at that focal length. Putting the 1.4 TC and geting back a bit could also work in most situations. I would also consider cleaning up the highlights in the BG.....although they are not that bothersome to me. Just some additional food for thought.

  6. #6
    BPN Member jack williamson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    south mississippi
    Posts
    1,979
    Threads
    107
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Except for that white on her neck she is well exposed and very sharp. I like her subtle colors. I would definately clean up the spots in the BG.

    Jack

  7. #7
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,403
    Threads
    194
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Folks, many thanks. As I said, in this particular situation, I was at the lowest angle possible. Normally, I like to get as low as I can. There are always exceptions, of course...one must consider the image's background as well. Just personal taste too...I'm mainly posting this particular pic because the other elements appeal to me very much, including the spotty background. Of course I can see the logic in cleaning it up, but the little spots attract my interest and please my eyes...thanks again for the helpful comments, folks!
    Last edited by Jack Breakfast; 03-19-2012 at 01:11 PM.

  8. #8
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Rotonda West , FL
    Posts
    3,642
    Threads
    198
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I like the pastel colors of the bird and the water. I also like the mini wake created in the front

  9. #9
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Salford , England
    Posts
    1,316
    Threads
    28
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I'd be in favour of the top being cropped. Colours and sharpness are fine.

  10. #10
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,403
    Threads
    194
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    thanks folks...i realize now that i actually posted the wrong photo...this is an 'alternate take' and the original is "slightly better" but 'still in this vein' so I'll try the actual one I MEANT to post with the top cropped off as per your suggestions and I even tidied up the water...truly sorry for the mistake...my brain is wonky from watching too many loopy trumpeter swans over the past two days. I won't mess up again. I'll be a good guy!
    Name:  ovolius.jpg
Views: 24
Size:  240.1 KB

  11. #11
    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Centurion, South Africa
    Posts
    21,360
    Threads
    1,435
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Jack, its always good to experiment with shooting angles, and to look for any distractions in the BG against the subject. I like the colours on her back, and I agree cropping off the top will work.

    Although a different image with a different pose, the crop does work better.

    I feel when shooting portraits, one should try and fill the frame with more of the head, and less of the body.

  12. #12
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,403
    Threads
    194
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Many thanks Stuart...different strokes for different folks shall make this jolly world go 'round! Your input is more than appreciated...

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics