Drake mallard

Hi All

Thought I'd join in on John Mac's 'horizontal drag' vibe. My post is an antidote to the looming 'Can the new Canon [servo-focus] or can't it debate' – IF IT IS MOTION BLURRED YOU CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE!

The shot was taken on a recent trip to the coast.

Comments and brutal honesty very welcome.

Cheers,
Chris

1ds3, 500 + 2x, 1/10 @ f/20, ISO 50, gimbal/tripod

No need to be brutal Chris. Superb image.

Edwin Kats

Got shot Chris, I love your blur images and this works really well.

I like this one a lot Chris. So many arty type pictures just look wrong but this is an example that to my eye looks well thought out prior to execution. I think the appeal in this one lies in it's simplicity. Nice one.
Robert

Works really well, one of those pictures that would look good really big!
Andrew

Floats my boat too. The lines in the water elevate this way beyond many I've seen and composition is spot on. This would work superbly in B&W too. As Robert says the simplicity is key to much of its success. Less is more. SO I'm going to do less as well!

this is a cracking image Chris, perfect composition, enough motion in the bird to convey movement, but not too much to lose definition and I love the blue lines of the water..top stuff...

cheers

Colin

It is the water rather than the bird that appeals to me, but the latter is superbly placed within the frame.

David

Chris you achieved something I didn't recently with a very similar image of an Oyster catcher. I do like this very much, I just wonder if a 'pano' crop might lend itself better?

Might review my version when I am back having seen yours with a very similar set-up.

Steve

This works very well. The water is a great compliment

I like it a lot. I agree it's the water that really makes the image.

Loved the Oystercatcher one and love this one,when I asked you for the settings on the Oystercatcher and you kindly gave them to me I was so inspired that I got this barn owl image(hope you don't mind) and this is what for me is great about this forum,sharing knowledge and helping others, a great quality in a man I was always taught from a boy.Thank you and this ones for you Chris,not as good but a start

I'll reiterate previous comments - it's the water that makes this image, though I don't think it would work nearly as well in black and white. Not sure about the composition, but I haven't got any better suggestions!

Great shot.

Greg

Cheers for the comments.

As a few have commented, it ertainly is the water that makes the shot work. I now have a series of images using this technique and the water is the striking element in each. Hope to see some creativity rubbing off on others. I wish there was a bigger commercial market for it.

Glad the forum is an inspiration Criag - good start on the creative stuff.

Cheers,
Chris

Very effective, Chris. Bird placement just right and the effect on the water is really nice. Good example of a fresh approach to a common species.

Nice work Chris - like others it's the water that makes it for me

Chris it's all been said,certainly works for me like it a lot.

Keith.

Lovely image Chris

the birds almost there as a prop for the water

Hi Chris

You got it just right with this one Chris!

David

Really nice Chris.

Pete