by Jim Hansen
I shot a short burst as this guy landed, and was a little surprised when I looked at a couple of them. I had no idea there was so much water displacement upon landing. I used a rented 2x converter and was also surprised that it maintained pretty good focus for this sequence. I know there's not a lot of detail on the bird's face due to the light not hitting it squarely. Also, the eye looks a little strange. I think this is due to the sun angle, and I believe the larger highlight may be a reflection of the water blob in front of him. The eye looked even stranger before I cloned out a water droplet that was immediately above the eye. I am interested in your thoughts regarding the eye and general lack of light and detail on the bird's head. I didn't want the bird to catch the attention of the viewer above the water blob, which I feel is the main subject. All comments and criticism are welcome. D800e, 300f4, 2x TC, F10, 1/2000, IS0 1000.
Comments
3 commentsHi Jim: Very cool image. I think the odd eye is just due to the film of water over the whole duck. I don't see it in ducks that much because they shed the water so quickly. I see it in Pied-billed Grebes all the time. That water surge is just awesome.
Nice shot and very impressive water action. I see a mallard head with the bill just dipping into the water. The is even an eye that looks like the one on the real Mallard. Another perspective on the water action with a landing duck is either directly from behind or in front. They tend to part the water.
Dennis and Jim I appreciate your comments; Dennis, thanks for the interpretation of the "odd eye". Jim, Thanks for your great eye for seeing that giant liquid mallard head in the water blob. Easy to see once you pointed it out. You've given me new insight into my own image!