Mallard

1D2n, 600mm f4 is x1.4, 1/1250s, f7.1, iso 200

I'm still working on a series of common waterfowl because of favourable conditions (and because there aren't any uncommon ones! ) Hopefully I'll move on to something new soon. I'll go back when the chicks arrive, but unfortunately the sun will be less favourable.

I hope you will look at the larger version, which is alway better.

http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/largephoto.cgi?ref=116296

Many thanks for any comments - I continue to learn from them.

Who needs the uncommon ones when the common ones are as striking as this
An excellent image.
Good to see the larger version too in all it's glory.

Well thought out, the the ripple at the water line makes the difference , plenty of impact, nice picture .

Bob.

Great work! I have a question for you. I am new to this site and still have yet to post my images. How did you link to a larger version for your image, and are there posting guidelines that I can find anywhere?

Thanks for your time

-Dan Lewis

Dan

How did you link to a larger version for your image ?

The facility to post a larger version is on the main avian site - click on the "select forum" box top right. You need to post there first to subsequently make the link from this site, by copying and pasting the address.

are there posting guidelines that I can find anywhere?

Again, this is on the main site but here is a direct link:

http://www.naturephotographers.net/postguide-2.html

Great image Ian, love the colours.

Lovely. There's a perception that 'common' species are somehow 'easy' because we see them all the time and get blase about them, and consequently dont bother trying to work them.

Not so. Not easy at all. Taking an image like this requires a lot of skill and patience.

Very nice lighting and the composition with the band of gold both behind and below the bird is a beautiful contrast against the cool blue where the bird is paddling.


Well done.

A very nice image indeed Ian. I agree with Johns comments above and have often said that if some of these common species were actually rare, how much more would we appreciate their obvious beauty. Well seen and taken.
Robert.

For once I think the low viewpoint works well, but I would still crop off about half of the foreground, so as to increase the emphasis on the drake Mallard, which is itself stunning. Nice shot.

I find this a really beautiful composition, and I would not like to se anything croped off the bottom. To my eyes, it is just right!!

Beautiful! The colours and light are gorgeous, and the composition is just right. These common subjects are often overlooked, but they shouldn't be as they can make for some stunning images - as you have here!

Lovely colour

As ever from your pool an excellent image... the common species are all to often overlooked and to get good images is always a challenge which you have risen too here...

Ian

I like this image as is, a wealth of challenges exist in common species and this one leads the way.

Barry

Stunning, super when viewed large, really well done Ian !

Drew

Certainly works for me too. Our common birds are very much overlooked, but you have shown this chap off in all his glory. Very nice indeed!

Fran

I like it.

Bertl

Another beauty-Great POV

Dave

Spot-on shot Ian, great POV and perfect composition too!

Another cracker, Ian - you're really reaping the rewards from that location.

Simon

Wow what a wonderful image, Ian. Very nice pov and lovely colours.

Another beauty from your pool, Ian. This looks stunning and the light on the head shopws that green plumage off superbly. Mark

Always believed that images of the "easy" done well standout and this does just that. Lovely light and positioning.



Mark

Superb, a really gorgeous shot