Sleepy Widgeon with Repost

Gallery: AvianPosted April 5, 2010112 views11 comments

An American Widgeon making "ZZZZZZZZZZZ's"
Larger image available, thanks for having a look!
Please see REPOST Below

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L IS USM
F/9.5 1/20 ISO 100
tripod, wimberly head cable release

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on April 5, 2010 at 3:31 PM

Cool shot! I know this is crazy, but i actually think the left half would make an amazing abstract shot. I also like the right half as a wild shot of the widgeon. Combined, its real nice, but for whatever reason doesnt have the same impact for me than either of the two halves by itself. Im thinking more in terms of the visual impact than as an avian shot--since to me, it could be a bird, lettuce, or whatever

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Avi Hirschfield on April 5, 2010 at 3:59 PM

I think Stan has something there.Also the neck on the RHS looks a little OOF.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 518 Posts, 2114 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on April 5, 2010 at 8:10 PM

Great details in the bird and I like the colors in the water. Maybe just a little more room on the left.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on April 6, 2010 at 12:22 AM

Peaceful and artful to put it succinctly. The feather detail is amazing, even more so when I see you did this at 1/20. The slow shutter speed really made the water come out fabulously. Agree a little more usm on the head, and a bit more room needed for the tail.

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

Comment posted by Craig Strand on April 6, 2010 at 5:43 AM

I agree, here's the "new and improved" version..... more sharpening on the head and more canvas on the left.... "Thanks all" for your suggestions!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on April 6, 2010 at 6:10 AM

Like the repost with a little more room - nice one Craig

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on April 6, 2010 at 8:04 AM

Craig,

I prefer the comp of the reposted version. I like the relaxed feeling this image conveys.

At the time you created this I probably would have increased the ISO to gain a bit of shutter speed then used f11 for more dof, I think that would have gotten the head sharply in focus too.

The water in this image is quite lovely.

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

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on April 6, 2010 at 9:51 AM

Stunning feather detail although it looks like that was your focal point. A higher ISO would have greatly helped. I prefer the repost as well

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

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on April 6, 2010 at 10:28 AM

Craig, others have already noted that something really good is going on here. I think it is a "painterly" eye that matches wonderful reflective water in shapes that approximate the curves and tips of the feathers. Also the color palette of that water is terrific. The technical suggestions regarding dof and spacing are on target and hopefully you will get a chance to recreate the conditions and put all that together. Regardless, I am moved by the intuitive right brain beauty of those other elements!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on April 6, 2010 at 3:11 PM

I like the repost a little better. I like the pose and the feather detail in this shot and the reflections and colors in the water put it over the top.

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

Comment posted by Roy Bailey on April 6, 2010 at 4:31 PM

Simple curves and beautiful colour. Would agree it got somthing a little bit special.

Registered on November 16, 2008, 24 Posts, 486 Comments