Motif: Wood Duck


Posted by Mike Wilson on Tue Apr 06, 2004 3:07 am

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Wood Duck Aix sponsa
Santee Lakes 3-16-04

This portrait is one of my recent favorites not only because of the subject, but because I had been practicing with fill flash with ducks and was successful and I was able to get a closeup shot of this drake showing the irridescent colors on the feathers below its eye. This male was following its mate around while she ate the cracked corn I was tossing, but refused to eat and instead would stay close and chase away any other duck that gave her a funny look. There will soon be babies following mom around! Cropped about 10% from bottom and right side. Catchlights cloned out of eye to leave only the one from the sun.
N90s, 500mm f/4P, SB-26 @ -1.7, 20mm ext.tube, Bogen 3021/BH-1/sidekick, Provia 100F
Mike Wilson
San Diego, Ca
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Last edited by Mike Wilson on Tue Apr 06, 2004 12:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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by Juan E. Bahamon on Tue Apr 06, 2004 3:15 am
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MIke:

Great portrait, what a potpourri of wonderful saturated colors with the blue background being the ice on the cake. A tad soft on my monitor. Congratulations.
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by fredcor on Tue Apr 06, 2004 6:15 am
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This is very nice Mike. It is usually very difficult to get exposure balance in the dark and bright areas of this duck. The eye and greens are great. I wish you mentioned your flash settings.
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by Peter Wallack on Tue Apr 06, 2004 6:16 am
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Very fine looking composition of one of the most colorful birds.
 

by Harvey Edelman on Tue Apr 06, 2004 6:33 am
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The vertical works well here and I like the dominance of the eye.
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by Jerry Merrell on Tue Apr 06, 2004 7:06 am
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Mike,

Very nice portrait of this woody.

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by Bill Whala on Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:16 am
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Flash balance is perfect!! Easy to see why it would be a favorite. Great shot. :)
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by Chris Klapheke on Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:59 am
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Wonderful shot of a wonderful bird! We've got two wild males and a female in our back yard creek, but I just can't get close enough to get a shot like this. I'm envious!
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by Neil Solomon on Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:44 am
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Mike,

The stretched neck and alert look match exactly your description of the situation. Exposure is right on the money. This would be one of my favorites too.
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by E.J. Peiker on Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:59 am
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An excellent portrait!
 

by Laura Stiefel on Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:56 am
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Hi Mike,

A truly excellent shot and the scan looks great! Oh how I would love to see the babies!
Laura Stiefel
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