Pintail Drake Alighting

Gallery: AvianPosted January 3, 2012234 views15 comments

In early December I did a nice photo trip through Southern Oregon and Northern California. It was quite cold most of the time with most of the bodies of water frozen solid already. But, when I found open water I often found subjects to photograph. I staked out one such area of open water for several afternoons hoping to make some good flight photos as ducks, geese and some raptors would fly into or past the open water.

Canon MKIV, 600mm, 1/2000, f6.3, ISO 640, Manual spot meter, cropped 20% left and bottom

All your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Ken Archer

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on January 3, 2012 at 6:15 PM

I like this shot a lot Ken. Nice flight position with the head turn. Bird stands out nicely from the BG.

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

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on January 3, 2012 at 6:40 PM

I will echo Ron's comments. The simple BG is also a plus.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on January 3, 2012 at 6:50 PM

Ken, what beautiful light and a cool pose.

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on January 3, 2012 at 8:33 PM

Ken, So very well exposed. You have really captured this Pintail in a great pose and the detail in the wings is beautiful. The Pintail and the Gadwall are my favorite ducks and I hope to capture an image like this someday.

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 3, 2012 at 9:32 PM

nice one, Ken. sweet light, nice bg, and a good flight pose. well done.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on January 3, 2012 at 10:27 PM

Ken, nice pose & lovely light on the Pintail. The simple background helps the bird really stand out.

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 3, 2012 at 11:11 PM

Beautiful colors and light, wonderful background.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on January 4, 2012 at 1:46 AM

Very nice light and a dramatic BG. I like the pose very much. Excellent!

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on January 4, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Hello Ken

Sharp Image wing tip to wing tip, with excellent separation from background.

Thanks for Sharing

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 4, 2012 at 4:48 PM

Ken - Great pose , detail, and eye contact here - sounds like a successful trip!
Especially nice BG to set the bird off.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by David Hemmings on January 4, 2012 at 4:51 PM

One of my favourite species so well shown here

Registered on May 26, 2006, 178 Posts, 1680 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 4, 2012 at 4:56 PM

Interesting to see the color patterns on the wing of the pintail, I have never noticed that before, nice job in getting this difficult shot.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on January 5, 2012 at 9:58 PM

The light really compliments the pintail and the flight position you captured is wonderful.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on January 7, 2012 at 8:15 PM

Great job on this Ken, good choice on the spot metering with the dark BG here.
Well composed with an interesting flight pose, bird stands out nicely in the frame also

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on January 8, 2012 at 10:54 PM

Beautiful capture Ken and awesome lighting, the image is a real treat for the eye! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments