I took this shot from a kayak at Lake Casa Blanca SP in Laredo, TX. I like the environment around them and the look of attention. However, I’m sure I didn’t mean to shoot this at 285mm. If I’d shot at 400mm I probably wouldn’t have needed a crop. I’ve only been out in the kayak a couple of times with the camera and am still learning to juggle paddle and camera so sometimes screw up the most basic things.
Canon 7D, 100-400mm (g1) @285mm, 1/1000, f7.1, ISO 800, Lightroom CC, cropped about 30% and straightened
Hello Terri! I like your image, I am a fan of duck photography! I like this image with surrounding habitat and your choice of dof is fine. The ducks look sharp and that counts.
I’d be tempted to place the ducks a bit more to the left by cropping some of the left side of the image. Also the water seems a bit detail-less. Just fooling around, I did this. Not perfection but an example of what I mean…
A nice environmental image of this trio of ducks, Terri. I was always scared to take my old 500 f/4 out in a kayak, then I sold it, before I got my present lens, which isn’t quite so pricey. In any case, I understand the difficulty of juggling paddle and camera.
I like what Jim did to your image. The slightly tighter crop and the darkening of the water make a big difference.
Thanks Richard, for taking the time to show the changes. I REALLY like what you did to the water. I agree that is a great improvement. I might have to compromise with you on placement of the birds though - somewhere between mine and yours. Thank you!
Thanks Dennis. When I updated by camera and lens to the new versions, I kept the old specifically to use in the kayak or other risky places. But I still would hate to drop it. I’m sure I’ll get more comfortable eventually. It would help if I wasn’t such a new kayaker too! But I absolutely love being out there on the water with the birds.
You’re welcome Terri. Not everything a person says in a critique needs to be changed and maybe nothing at all…LOL.
So much of what you get are opinions, though there are a few ‘rules’ that are in place for a reason. Also, they say rules are made to be broken. Soooooo. Jim
I really like this image as is and probably wouldn’t change much. Getting the ducks with their heads all in the same direction is important. It just looks better. I really like the patterns and the color differentiation of the reeds in the background.
I hope you have a very steady kayak! I’ve been see kayaker for over 30 years and have been in some fairly challenging ocean water. Even though I have never tipped over, I sure have come close and I’d sure hate to lose an expensive camera and lens. A steady kayak makes a huge difference compared to one that’s very tippy.
When I do paddle with my camera, generally it’s in pretty calm water. I have a waterproof pelican case which is very securely attached to the front deck and easily accessible. I only take out the camera when I feel there is absolutely no chance of tipping over.
David, thanks for sharing your experience with the kayak. Sea kayaking! I’m a long way from feeling comfortable in ocean waters. Because I still consider myself a beginner AND because I’m usually alone, I’m pretty careful about watching the weather and only going into fairly calm waters and staying near shorelines. No oceans or fast moving rivers for me. My kayak is an Advanced Elements Expedition inflatable which feels really stable to me but then again I’ve not been in many kayaks. My gear goes into a dry bag that’s attached to the front deck. I keep it there when I’m doing any serious paddling and only get it out when I reach an area with wildlife. I’d love to have many more opportunities to photograph wildlife this way. But more times than not, it’s rough water out there!
Nice environmental portrait. I like Jim’s version a little better, but I think you could stick with a crop somewhere between yours and his. That would also improve the IQ as compared to Jim’s. I kayak around here sometimes with my 500 f/4 set up on a tripod. I use an extremely sturdy fishing kayak. It’s a little stressful but a lot of fun.
I really like this one! I’ve never seen a Whistling Duck, what pretty birds. I like the crop that Jim did, but I see what you’re saying about somewhere in between would be nice. Just a thought, but this may make a nice pano! Very nice image!
Hi Terri,
I like the environmental look of this image. I have a very hard time getting duck shots other than mallards so I like these ducks and their poses. I like Jim’s repost too.
Thank you!