04140007 egyptian duck stretching
Apr, 2016Views
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Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This is one of many photographs I have taken at the El Dorado Duck Pond, which is about a 10 minute walk from my house. As a dialysis patient, my travel opportunities are limited, but I make up for that by finding the beautiful, the odd, the strange, the wonderful, in the world around me. I have taken many photographs of this Egyptian duck, because of the beautiful plumage.Time
This photograph was taken on my morning walk around the pond.Lighting
This is one of the nicer things about our Southern California "June Gloom" (lasts from April through July, but it's called June), a marine layer that gives those of us near the coast bright light filtered by a layer of marine clouds. It's very much like using a neutral density filter in the way it brings out colors.Equipment
When I retired, I bought my Nikon D5300 with two lenses. On my morning walk, I usually have the telephoto (55-300mm) lens on the camera.Inspiration
I was just sitting there, watching the pond and all of the birds, when this egyptian duck swims right up to where I am, bathes himself in the water, then comes out and starts conducting the orchestra to dry his wings.Editing
Other than my normal Lightroom workflow, The only thing I did was crop the photo to highlight the diagonal lines.In my camera bag
Always in my bag is what came with the camera (18-55 mm lens, 55-300 mm telephoto), a Rokinnon 1.4 11mm ultrawide lens, various filters, remote for the camera. Additional equipment is added on as needed basis (e.g., flashes, ring flash, etc.)Feedback
After reading the illustrious samples, I'm afraid what I have to say will seem mundane. The one ability that I did NOT have during my working life as a public administrator and attorney was PATIENCE. But, if you want to capture wildlife (in nature or at a duck pond or in Yosemite), PATIENCE is an absolute requirement. I got this shot because I was sitting quietly in the shade with my camera, relaxing and even meditating on the tranquility of the pond, and the duck came to me. It's the opposite of what you usually hear: Don't do something, just stand (or sit) there! In addition, my wife appreciates my newfound patience as well!
