OK!

[Guest]

The world already has far too many duck shots

But I still want to share these.

More composed images than those I've been posting recently and perhaps more 'technically' acceptable.

(OK - I'll go out and shoot something else next)

(E-3, Sigma 135-400, ec1.4, Master, The GIMP, pp limited to a little on the levels and a light sharpening)










Two of the ducklings, then two of mum. I've tried to create some 'shape' with these.

Quack

Nick

[snaarman]

Re: OK!

Mmm. Shot no.3 for me :-)

Great stuff.

Pete

[JohnGG]

Re: OK!

All very good but no. 3 for me as well.

Cheers,

JohnGG

[andym]

Re: OK!

You can never have to many pictures of ducks!!

Number 3 for me also,focus rigth on the eye..

[Guest]

Re: OK!

Interesting, 3 'votes' so far for the one I accept is most 'technically' correct, none for the one I think is the best photograph (bear in mind I'm pleased with them all - otherwise I wouldn't have posted).

Is my judgement awry?

Could it be that us photographers (and I suppose I must think of myself as one) tend to concentrate unduly on the technical points (absolute clarity/sharpness), rather than the overall image?

Could I just be quackers?

Nick

[art frames]

Re: OK!

Nick

I am more interested in behavior and narrative than technical ability and so I would say number one gives me more than number 3. But we will all see it differently. How would you tell the story of the image, yourself?

I especially look forward to your posts as I see you as a naturalist looking at the natural world and occasionally recording something of the animal, much as I do. I can recall many of your images into mind, that is a sign of their quality to me. I've also been pushing for more myself recently. I have just started a tiny butterfly blog to try and get more out of my pictures than just 'do I like it' and 'is it sharp'. That forces me to tell the story alongside the image and I like that.

btw I disagree about there being too many ducks, but I especially like them doing 'duck stuff' as well as looking good.

regards

peter

[Andrew Riddell]

Re: OK!

The one I like best is Nr.2 because the beak comes over just like one of those Norse/Anglo-Saxon belt ends - until you realise they're nostrils, not eyes!

Probably just my peculiar mind!

Andrew

[Guest]

Re: OK!

Nick

I am more interested in behavior and narrative than technical ability and so I would say number one gives me more than number 3. But we will all see it differently. How would you tell the story of the image, yourself?

peter

Well I hadn't been going to shoot the ducklings - but I had to step aside as some kids thundered down the towpath on their bikes, and not only did they shout out thanks but they also said the ducklings were on the bank just a bit ahead of me. Such welcome politeness had the force of a command - it would have seemed churlish not to have a go.

The shots are actually in my order of preference, but I like them all and accept that the last two are closest to 'technically' perfect.

Why do I particularly like the first - well it has a clear shape with the dark bodies and the lighter grass making effectively two triangles. A strong diagonal with the heads in a line. The fact the three heads are all looking in slightly different directions with the middle head effectively bisecting the angle (if that makes sense). The two outer heads just going out of focus whilst the central focus head is nice and crisp, and that fortuitous stem so near the focus, nicely suggesting the detail for the rest of the grass. It was what I was shooting for and being able to deliver it without cropping - well that's just the icing for my vanity.

Thank you Peter for your kind comments - I shoot nature because it soothes and enchants me, and because there is just so much going on if you take the time to look.

(where's the butterfly blog?)

Nick

[Guest]

Re: OK!

The one I like best is Nr.2 because the beak comes over just like one of those Norse/Anglo-Saxon belt ends - until you realise they're nostrils, not eyes!

Probably just my peculiar mind!

Andrew

Well Nr 2 was shot as I was intrigued by the fact that together the ducklings made a 'carpet' of textured brown. Don't think I quite got it but it still seemed to create a satisfying shape.

I suppose your belt could be holding the roll of carpet together?

Thanks

Nick

[Andrew Riddell]

Re: OK!

Well Nr 2 was shot as I was intrigued by the fact that together the ducklings made a 'carpet' of textured brown. Don't think I quite got it but it still seemed to create a satisfying shape.

I suppose your belt could be holding the roll of carpet together?

Thanks

Nick

I suppose my instant view saw the feathers as just a background (maybe a cloak) to the defined element (the beak), with the second view appreciating what was actually being shown. Maybe it's just a reflection of my own particular artistic triggers (which I happily admit may be rather academic!). The bottom line is: I like your shot, so why worry why??

Andrew

[art frames]

Re: OK!

Thank you Peter for your kind comments - I shoot nature because it soothes and enchants me, and because there is just so much going on if you take the time to look.

(where's the butterfly blog?)

Nick

Nick

It is very tiny at the moment but I will be trying to bring more and more pictures and photos to it. http://picturesfromartframes.blogspot.com/

best wishes

Peter

[Guest]

Re: OK!

Nick

It is very tiny at the moment but I will be trying to bring more and more pictures and photos to it. http://picturesfromartframes.blogspot.com/

best wishes

Peter

All

I would recommend looking at Peters blogspot - It might be small, so far, but there are some great shots and really informative comments.

Nick