All Dressed UP . . . .

Gallery: AvianPosted January 31, 201183 views7 comments

. . . and no where to go! As common as Mallards are in N. America, I think we sometimes overlook their beauty while searching for a specie that is more rare. Like many I have shot hundreds over the years, yet this and a couple of others from last spring are probably my best. I am especially fond of the captured iridescence and complimentary water.

Larger view available,thanks for stopping

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L IS USM
F/6.7 1/125 ISO 320
Tripod, wimberley head, cable

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on January 31, 2011 at 2:29 PM

Yes, this is a very nice look at that irridescence Craig. Detail looks good. I'd like to have a bit more DOF for the bill tip. For my tastes this presentation is too tight and as you say the water color works well with the bird so if it were mine I'd loosen up the comp a little if I had the room.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on January 31, 2011 at 6:58 PM

This is a great looking mallard Craig and the water is super looking. For me the comp is a bit too tight. I would back out a bit and get more of that great water in the frame if you have it.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by wade pettitt on January 31, 2011 at 7:37 PM

Craig, I completly agree, and this is a fine example. I do agree that a looser crop would help this image, but is a small nit to a wonderful Image. Well done!!

Registered on May 6, 2009, 184 Posts, 471 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on January 31, 2011 at 11:20 PM

The greenish water really is complimentary to the mallards colors. I like it tightly composed as is but it would probably be very good with more room to the right and bottom too.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Dubuc on January 31, 2011 at 11:54 PM

Very nice picture. Great colors. I agree with the others about the tight composition.

Registered on January 4, 2011, 59 Posts, 229 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 1, 2011 at 12:40 AM

Beautiful portrait Craig, I agree the Mallard is a stunning species. Could use a little more room on his left, our right. (I want to also give this a slight CW rotation).

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 1, 2011 at 7:14 AM

Craig,

The water color is very lovely and I enjoy the fact it is so clear we can see the rocks under it. I like the pose of the duck and the nice head angle too. I also feel this is a bit tight, especially on the bottom and the right side of the frame.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments