Mike Cohen
August 2019 - Whistling Ducks on a Branch
Original
About the Image(s)
This image was taken at Green Cay Wetlands, in Boynton
Beach, Florida. I liked the congenial atmosphere of the ducks sharing a
nice branch. I cropped, sharpened the image, ran Nik Tonal Contrast and a
bit of Detail Extractor and boosted the colors slightly.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
A wonderfully congenial group. Look at all the interaction! I wonder where the incoming duck is going to fit! Great capture! Posted: 08/05/2019 16:56:04
Thanks for visiting and the comment Valerie! Posted: 08/13/2019 17:31:42
Mike, this image is AMAZING! What camera/lens did you use, and how close were you? What atmospheric conditions resulted in that pure white background? That uncluttered pallet and repetition of the four related tones that appear in the beaks/feet, heads, wings, and breasts of the birds evoke a powerful minimalist affect. Additionally there is compositional symmetry: the two smiling birds in the center are flanked by flapping birds, and a strong leading line: the branch leads my eye to the action on the upper left. I would not change a single element of this image--it is a WINNER!!
Posted: 08/08/2019 20:52:37
Posted: 08/08/2019 20:52:37
Thanks Judith. I just got my computer back and was able to check. I used my main camera body, a Sony a9, which is ideal for flying birds, my Sony 400mm taken at f/2.8, 1/3200sec, ISO 1600. There is often white skies here in south Florida. This snag is one of my favorites for Whistling Ducks. It's located at Green Cay Wetlands, in Boynton Beach, Floria. It was a morning shot, facing west with the sun and wind at my back, just the way I like it. I'd say the distance is about 75'.
Thanks for your nice comments,
Mike Posted: 08/11/2019 19:08:32
Thanks for your nice comments,
Mike Posted: 08/11/2019 19:08:32
I very much like the nature story, and as you say, the congeniality of it. I like the ducks that are landing quite well. I think the birds in your original shot are more natural looking than the processed ones. I've gone back and forth and cannot tell you what it is but the original seems more natural to me. Posted: 08/12/2019 07:33:40
I love the action in this shot. It looks like two of the birds are having a conversation while the rest of the family arrives for a get-together. Like maybe, "I hope we got enough beer." I also find the simplicity and the completley distraction free background visually appealing. In my opinion, the detail extracter preset is too intense for this image. When I look at the original, I think I see why you used it, but for me it does not look as natural as your images usually look. Again, that is just a personal preference. Others may see it differently. Posted: 08/13/2019 11:24:29
(Group 95)
I love this shot!!! The birds are tack sharp, the composition is wonderful, and the expressions make it seem like a Saturday Night Evening Post illustration (I know, that ages me, right?). The colors are so pleasing; honestly, there is nothing to do to improve this....it's a terrific, very fun and technically perfect shot!! Posted: 08/13/2019 14:56:18
(Group 64)
Wonderful image, Mike. Wonderful detail, color, tone and composition and overall feel has such fine photographic artistry. Well done. Posted: 08/13/2019 17:13:11
Wonderful image. In my opinion I feel that the presented version has lost a little of the pop in color that was in the original - especially on the incoming duck in the upper left.
Just my eye and opinion on a well presented image. Posted: 08/19/2019 20:35:02
Just my eye and opinion on a well presented image. Posted: 08/19/2019 20:35:02