Cape Shoveler Blast Off

[Loukie Viljoen]

This Cape Shoveler at Marievale Sanctuary decided he had to leave in a hurry

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:09:11 08:22:03
Shutter speed: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: 6.3
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Evaluative
Drive mode: Continuous
ISO: 640
Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Focal length: 700mm
AF mode: AI Servo AF
Image size: 3888 x 2592
Image quality: Raw
White balance: Auto

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great takeoff pose, details, light and splash. Does it need a bit CW rotation? It would have been even better if the underside of the near wing were visible.

[Tony Whitehead]

Lovely shot, Loukie. The flip side to the wing is that you've captured the lovely green speculum that would have been lost if the underside were visible

[Ramon M. Casares]

Outstanding, pose and light, sharpness and action are great! I love it! One quiestion though.. how much crop does it has (if any) as the DOF you've got for 6.3 is terrific.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

I really like the action,eye contact and details,congrats nice work!!!

[Fabs Forns]

WOW, Loukie, that is some splash! One determined suck is you ask me :)

Very attractive image, My wish is for the front wing to be fully extended forward.
Can't please everyone, huh? ;)

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Loukie,
This is spectacular - I wish it were mine!
Regards,
Nicki

[Dave Mills]

Some folks might wish an image is a certain way...Looking at this the way it is....it's a beautiful image without flaws.... my opinion of course!

[Fabs Forns]

Some folks might wish an image is a certain way...Looking at this the way it is....it's a beautiful image without flaws.... my opinion of course!

If we only look at an image as is, and don't point out ways in which it could be stronger, we would not be doing our job. It is a beautiful image, but a better wing position would rake it over the top.

A pat in the back is not going to help anybody become a better photographer.

At least, that's what moderators are here for :)

[Maxis Gamez]

Gorgeous image but I have to agree with Fab. It will put it over the top if the wings were wide open. With that said, you did an excellent job keeping the duck sharp in the frame.

[DarrenMcKenna]

a excellent photo Loukie, you've captured a second in nature. The light is really good here.



Some folks might wish an image is a certain way...Looking at this the way it is....it's a beautiful image without flaws.... my opinion of course!


I also agree with your statement, someday I "wish" to have a shot as Loukie has captured here. :)

[Loukie Viljoen]

Just to clarify, Axel this was a mating ritual of the Cape Shoveler, it simply blasts off out of the water, there is no running on the water to gather speed, this is the shot just before the one I used, uncut untreated, so Axel that is most probably why you felt a rotation was due to get him more in the angle that we are used to them taking off. Hope it helps, Ramón this is the full size you can judge how much cropping I did, regards Loukie

[Linda Robbins]

Loukie, this is beautiful. A wonderful pose....I like the way the duck's head is up and the splash behind is great. The clean water bg really works here. I think a S/H adjustment brings out more detail in the shadowed near wing and belly, and the cw rotation works well IMO. (perhaps even a tad more than I did in this quick repost.) Lovely image...wish it were mine!

[Loukie Viljoen]

Thank you Linda, I am sorry I mistook Axel's CW for CCW, hence the confusion, All your improvements 100% thanks regards Loukie

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Superb image. I agree that with better wing position, it could have been even better

[Loukie Viljoen]

To all that had a look, thank you and a big thank you for the constructive criticism from moderators and viewers, I appreciate it. Regards Loukie

[Simon Bennett]

Terrific shot Loukie.

[Loukie Viljoen]

Thanks Simon, have a Frostie.