Posted by Wayne Rhodus on March 26, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Took my lunch out at a local lake and worked on my long lens techniques. I was able to photograph a couple of swans as they plied the water for food. Comments and suggestions welcome.
I am seeking confirmation on this species id. A quick search online indicates that this is a Mute Swan (based on the coloration pattern on the bill & face). Can anyone confirm that identification? Your assistance would be appreciated, thanks!
50D, 100-400L @ 400, 1/500 @ f11, ISO 400, AF, HH, 70% of orig
The ripples really add some interest to the BG. The water drops from the bill are great too. A little catchlight in the swan's eye would really make this pop. Great composition. Beautiful shot overall. Which lake was this at?
Posted by Tom Kennon on March 27, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Wayne, ditto on what others have said, the droplets are really special.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on March 27, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Thanks everyone, I kind of like this one. I wasn't expecting to see swans, just hoping to find something to put in front of the lens. As for the swans, I didn't think to take my flash unit along and their eyes blend so well with the coloration nearby they do get lost without flash in lightly overcast conditions. Live and learn (I hope).
Angela, this shot was taken at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, KS. It is located north of Leavenworth Road on 90th Street. If you go north on 90th it will lead you right to the spot where numerous waterfowl congregate. I've even seen an American Kestrel there.
Posted by Randy Wilson on March 27, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I think the others have made the same points I would make. So I'll just add my voice to the others and say great job!
The water drops are perfect. The only thing I could suggest would be to take lots of images when in this situation! The ripples are a terrific compositional element and I bet they change by the second, and with multiples to choose from you might be able to maximize their impact.
Posted by Daniel Loomis on March 27, 2009 at 2:37 PM
I really like this shot. Detail, composition, color. Very nice. The drops and ripples make it come alive.
Posted by Glenn Carter on March 28, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Discussion
13 repliesI am seeking confirmation on this species id. A quick search online indicates that this is a Mute Swan (based on the coloration pattern on the bill & face). Can anyone confirm that identification? Your assistance would be appreciated, thanks!
50D, 100-400L @ 400, 1/500 @ f11, ISO 400, AF, HH, 70% of orig
Angela, this shot was taken at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, KS. It is located north of Leavenworth Road on 90th Street. If you go north on 90th it will lead you right to the spot where numerous waterfowl congregate. I've even seen an American Kestrel there.