Shooting Ducks...

[RhysPhotograph.me]

 

[Hickeydog]

Wow. Impressive photos.

I'm curious as to why you shot at such a wide aperature. On the second to last shot, the mallard is out of focus.

 

[BlackSheep]

Lots of photos there! I'm not sure if you were looking for C&C on them, but if you were you probably won't get any detailed comments just due to the volume of photos.
Regardless, I wanted to say that I really like the fourth photo up from the bottom (I think, it's the one where the female is looking up at a bug) - that's a neat shot; very different from the usual duck photos that get posted here.

 

[RhysPhotograph.me]

Wow. Impressive photos.

I'm curious as to why you shot at such a wide aperature. On the second to last shot, the mallard is out of focus.

Thanks Hickey, tbh I don't really shoot wildlife but today/yesterday wanted to try something different.
With regards to the wide aperture, it's just how I like to shoot, I like to pick one subject/moment and leave the rest looking a little abstract.

Edit:
I also like using an 85mm to get a wider perspective, as I generally think backgrounds often add context even if they are basically just bokeh...

 

[RhysPhotograph.me]

Lots of photos there! I'm not sure if you were looking for C&C on them, but if you were you probably won't get any detailed comments just due to the volume of photos.
Regardless, I wanted to say that I really like the fourth photo up from the bottom (I think, it's the one where the female is looking up at a bug) - that's a neat shot; very different from the usual duck photos that get posted here.

Thanks BS, crit is welcome, but tbh I posted this set with just the intention of sharing, I know they won't be everyone's cup of tea, especially due to the shallow DOF.
With regards to No.4, I didn't realise ducks eat bug's, I kept seeing some make sharp head movements but they were too far away for me to see the bug, but then they started to feel comfortable with me there, and when they got close I could see what they were doing.
Also, can ducks swim underwater? The reason I ask, is because I kept hearing little splashes but by the time I looked away from my viewfinder I couldn't see anything (water was murky), so at first I thought maybe it was a fish, but then later I thought I saw the glimpse of a duck foot?

 

[greybeard]

I like #10 ( i think) the one with the Duck quacking.

 

[BlackSheep]

Also, can ducks swim underwater? The reason I ask, is because I kept hearing little splashes but by the time I looked away from my viewfinder I couldn't see anything (water was murky), so at first I thought maybe it was a fish, but then later I thought I saw the glimpse of a duck foot?

Yep, some ducks dive for their food. Mallards (the guy with the green head) don't, but other breeds do. I don't know what breed the brown & white with blue beak one is, she/he could have been diving (or at least dipping very deep) for food.

 

[SHaller]

What lens were you using for these shots?

 

[RhysPhotograph.me]

Also, can ducks swim underwater? The reason I ask, is because I kept hearing little splashes but by the time I looked away from my viewfinder I couldn't see anything (water was murky), so at first I thought maybe it was a fish, but then later I thought I saw the glimpse of a duck foot?

Yep, some ducks dive for their food. Mallards (the guy with the green head) don't, but other breeds do. I don't know what breed the brown & white with blue beak one is, she/he could have been diving (or at least dipping very deep) for food.

Ok thanks, that explains it, I also saw 3 or 4 splashes in a row like you get by skimming stones, I guess because the water was shallow the duck was swimming along the bottom rather than doing any deep diving 'per se'...

What lens were you using for these shots?

Sigma 85mm 1.4 @1.4 on D700

 

[lorenzostpierre]

Your album is amazing with lovely pictures! Enjoyed watching each photo.
You have brought out lovely shots.Now give a try to capture flying ducks.
Best of luck!

 

[Joel_W]

I think you broke TPF record for most pictures in one post. Way too many for even a general CC. Also please number your pictures so one can direct their comments towards it without having to copy the picture.

 

[RhysPhotograph.me]

I think you broke TPF record for most pictures in one post. Way too many for even a general CC. Also please number your pictures so one can direct their comments towards it without having to copy the picture.

"Photo Galleries - Photos submitted by members for general display or critique."

As I'v already said...

"Thanks BS, crit is welcome, but tbh I posted this set with just the intention of sharing"

 

[jaxx419]

I love ducks! Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing.

 

[RhysPhotograph.me]

Cheers Jaxx

 

[ShootFL]

Great photos i love the one of the duck staring up at the fly!