Mallard
Mar, 2015Views
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Awards
2020 Choice Award
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Superior Skill
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo during a nature hike at a local lake here in Brandon, MS. The Mallard was in a creek behind the damn and actually caught me off guard, but I was able to get this shot as he flew away.Time
I arrived at the lake early because I knew the wildlife would be active. I was still new to photography so these trips were a tremendous help. I took this photo on the morning of March 31, 2015, at 6:07 am.Lighting
It was early morning, and the sun was starting to rise above the tree line. I was facing toward the sun looking slightly downward when I took this photo so the sunlight I was getting afforded me the opportunity at a faster shutter speed. This photo helped me understand the importance of light when shooting moving subjects.Equipment
I took this photo with a Nikon D5300 attached to an 18-55 kit lens that came with the camera. This was all the photography equipment I owned at the time.Inspiration
This photo was one of opportunity. At the time I used these excursions as a way of learning photography while doing what I loved which is to watch nature. I knew ducks frequented this area, and I had hoped to find one in the water, but I surprised by this one when he took flight.Editing
At the time of this photo, the only post-edit software I had was Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. I knew very little about either one. I post-processed this photo in Lightroom adjusting for noise, color, and contrast.In my camera bag
At the time of this photo, I was very new to photography. The only equipment I had was my Nikon D5300 and the 18-55 kit lens. I have since acquired a Sigma 150-600mm lens, Sigma 105 mm lens, and a Sigma 24 mm lens, tripod, monopod and a backpack to carry everything in.Feedback
Here in Mississippi nature hikes usually provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography, but one needs to be mindful of various hunting seasons for their own safety. I find lakes, ponds or any water source full of wildlife. I like to move slow and have my camera settings set for fast moving subjects since I usually have time to adjust for static subjects. The most important Item to have in your bag is mosquito spray!
