I had a 'duck' day

[Kaye]

I took these shots at a small pond in suburbia, with a bus depot on one side and traffic all around.
Not too sure about the last shot... bit busy, and I took this at 300mm with my non VR lens handheld.
Thanks for looking.


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[delboy]

Nice series Kaye. The detail in #1 is spot on, I like to see the bird photos on this forum as the detail people get is amazing something I aspire to but have not yet captured. #4 In NZ this bird is known as a Pukeko. There is a famouse Maori recipe for cooking these, which is, you get two large rocks put them in a pot with the Pukeko and boil for at least 10 hrs. You then throw the Pukeko away and eat the rocks.:D

Delboy.

[Kaye]

I really appreciate your comment thank you Delboy. I think No. 1 could be a bit sharper, and the sun was full on on his wings.
BTW, what a brilliant recipe:D

[mdonahoe1]

1. Such beautiful composition and the feather details are fabulous
2. Another great composition and beautiful colors.
3. See #2
4. Love the almost hidden duck on the lower right. Excellent.

Beautiful series Kaye.

[Kaye]

I really appreciate your comments and thoughts here Marianne. Thank you very much.

[shirlm2]

Hi Kaye these are lovely shots. #1 is really nicely composed and I love the wing detail you have captured. It’s easy to get blown highlights in these conditions.
Once again great feather detail in #2 and I like the ripples and water colour. Very nice shot.
Good use of DOF in 3 & 4. The moor hen might be a bit lost in the reeds but you have managed good focus on him nonetheless. Nice shots Kaye.

[Kaye]

Hi Kaye these are lovely shots. #1 is really nicely composed and I love the wing detail you have captured. It’s easy to get blown highlights in these conditions.
Once again great feather detail in #2 and I like the ripples and water colour. Very nice shot.
Good use of DOF in 3 & 4. The moor hen might be a bit lost in the reeds but you have managed good focus on him nonetheless. Nice shots Kaye.

Thank you so much Shirley, I really enjoy your feedback and comments.
I did get a few blown out highlights this day and deleted several, but my first shot I actually did 2 edits... and the one which I posted I actually brightened for the 'overall' effect. Perhaps I brightened it too much. I would like to attach both edits below to show the difference. I viewed these edits too many times and found it difficult to choose the best for detail.

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I did aim for a shallow DOF in No. 3, but I am not sure that this was the best setting for this type of shot?
No. 4. I had to sharpen the Moorhen a little :D

[wanda]

Wonderful pics here Kaye, great detail and colour. you are abviously finding your way around your camera at a great rate. Well done

[Kaye]

Thanks for taking the time to view and comment on these Wanda. I am learning lots about the camera, but still so much more to learn!

[shirlm2]

Hi Kaye I have had a look at both of your edits of your Wings shot. I think I prefer the one you posted, it's very difficult to judge & often just a matter of personal preference. I also think your shallow DOF was a good choice of #3. IMO I think you need to keep attention on the duck, not get distracted by the background. Just my opinions.

[Kaye]

Hi Shirley,
Your opinions again are very much appreciated thank you.
It is always so very helpful to have another set of eyes with another opinion, even if the opinion does not differ.