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Springtime Union
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Springtime Union

by Craig Strand

Gallery: AvianPosted August 20, 2010123 views9 comments
In going over images taken this spring I came across this Wood Duck pair together on a log. Although it is a favorite I don't think I had posted it before.

Larger image available, thanks for stopping!

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L IS USM w/1.4TC
F/9.5 1/60 ISO 250
tripod, wimberley head, cable release

Comments

9 comments
Comment posted by Luke Ormand on August 20, 2010 at 3:30 PM
I like this shot alot though there is a little too much room up top. I'd imagine getting this shot is easier with the 600 + 1.4X TC

- Luke
Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments
Comment posted by Craig Strand on August 20, 2010 at 3:44 PM
Thanks for your comment Luke. Overall, shooting with the 600 + 1.4, I find I often am too close with little canvas around images. While it spotlights the subject their is often little room that includes much environment. This image is 80% of the original and cropped slightly on the left of the hen (branches there,) and just enough off the top to leave an OOF hint of the overhanging foliage. My primary goal with the crop was trying to "not center" the woodies, allowing the viewer to take in the pair and their enviroment. Thanks again, Craig
Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 20, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Excellent, Craig. Nice to get the pair together and pretty much in the same focal plane. The pose of the female is particularly appealing. :toast:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Ron Dudley on August 20, 2010 at 6:49 PM
Love the relaxed poses Craig. Interesting textured perch. I can see Lukes point about the room at the top but on the other hand I reallly like the OOF leaves coming down into the frame. Don't know how I'd have handled the comp. To my eye the birds do seem a little soft.
Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments
Comment posted by Muhammad Zaid Wani on August 21, 2010 at 1:53 AM
Great shot! I don't mind the empty space at all – it somehow works for me. :smile:
Registered on August 18, 2005, 23 Posts, 1406 Comments
Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on August 21, 2010 at 6:36 AM
A lovely photo, nice to see them both together like this :smile:
Well done.

Geoff.
Registered on August 20, 2010, 192 Posts, 980 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on August 21, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Now that's what I call a fine avian photograph! Stunning subjects in a wonderful setting, great poses. I would have remembered this if I saw it before... :wink: :toast: :toast: :toast:
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by Simon Bennett on August 21, 2010 at 6:41 PM
What a lovely couple - well captured Craig.
Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments
Comment posted by Mia McPherson on August 22, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Craig,

I like how you composed this image, the background and the poses of the ducks. I really enjoy the reflections on the water in the background.
Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments