Ring-necked Duck

Gallery: AvianPosted February 9, 2014128 views11 comments

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)

Papago Park, Phoenix, AZ
December 24, 2013, 9:32 am
Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
ISO 800, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/800th sec @ f/11, -1/3rd ev
Raw, PSCS3 on Mac, 75% of frame

Much tighter than I wanted at the bottom, but I have trouble keeping framed on one of these ducks speeding drectly at the camera. So I ended up cropping from the other three sides to try to balance the composition.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Large version provided.

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on February 9, 2014 at 3:56 PM

As you said, tight; however, certainly not lacking in pose and detail. Top grade handling of shadow and highlights. Considering the quality of the subject, I think I actually like it this tight.

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

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on February 9, 2014 at 4:59 PM

I NEVER mind close-up views like this showing all that scrumptious detail! Well exposed and a beautiful head turn for you. I like that you captured the leathery look of the bill. I might consider cloning the bottom teeny highlight from the eye. Really nice shot! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on February 9, 2014 at 5:19 PM

Excellent Rich, I think these very close shots have their place.
Along with the very nice details, this image makes one feel like they could reach out & touch it.

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

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on February 9, 2014 at 8:15 PM

Lovely close up. Cheers.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 9, 2014 at 11:00 PM

Lovely detail and light, Richard, and superb dof. It might well be my imagination, but it feels to me like it could use maybe 1/2 degree of clockwise rotation.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 9, 2014 at 11:16 PM

A wonderful close up with detail. I like the position of the head turn, water drops and the light. Nice job in getting this with a prime since you could not zoom to adjust for the duck coming at you.

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

Comment posted by David Rowe on February 10, 2014 at 4:13 AM

Richard, I'm all for a symmetrical crop in these circumstances. I think I'd go the 'whole hog' and make it symmetrical, top and bottom too. I imagine it may not be possible, however, to add more canvas to the bottom of this take. Excellent detail, nicely handled whites at the base of the bill and surprising lack of distortion in the perspective.
David

Registered on December 20, 2013, 133 Posts, 286 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Kellermeyer on February 10, 2014 at 8:26 AM

The light ,perspective and detail are nice. I like as it is.

Registered on March 19, 2013, 52 Posts, 161 Comments

Comment posted by Barb Pflaum on February 10, 2014 at 8:23 PM

Very nice close up view of this duck, Richard! Excellent pose, detail, and lighting.

Registered on January 14, 2009, 316 Posts, 2724 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on February 10, 2014 at 9:23 PM

Love the light and detail Richard. I agree about it appearing a bit tight. Did you consider just taking it further and cropping this to a portrait instead? I think it might look cool if you cropped off the the sides and went vertical 8x10 portrait. Just food for thought.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on February 12, 2014 at 11:47 PM

Sweet portrait Richard,
Well done . . .

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments