“Reflecting” my need to work with an image with some color for a change (after all of the snow, brutal cold and gray skies we’ve been having) and also inspired by some recent discussion with blog reader Sue Johnson regarding reflections, I’ve chosen to post something this morning that’s a little different for me.
Last July I found this wild female Mallard posing and preening on a perch I liked and in warm, early morning light.
1/320, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
As I gained experience as a photographer I found myself gravitating away from reflections, often preferring instead the fine detail typically available in traditional portraits. But for my tastes, this image provides both – good detail and a strong reflection. I like the setting, pose, perch, light and reflection. In fact I like the reflection (bird and water colors) at least as much as I do the live bird.
The image may be a little tight for some but it’s very close to full frame, shot vertically, and I just didn’t have as much wiggle room as I would have liked. I thought I’d present the image for your consideration anyway…
Ron
I also like the image for its clarity, it’s not easy to get them so glasslike.
Gorgeous! are you sure that it is right side up? Just kidding! But it is so still, so intact so riveting. Thanks!
Ron,
This is just so beautiful! The depth of color, how the colors of the reflection are darker, how not only do you see different parts of the bird in the reflection, but the shapes of the negative spaces [between the legs and between the neck and breast] are different. All this must have to do with the position of the sun in relation to where the camera and the bird are. Again, I’ve spent a very happy time delving into this image! And, I’m wondering why there seems to be no shadow…..
SUE
I have never seen such a perfect reflection in a natural setting. You certainly had great timing with that shot, for the water had to be almost perfectly calm between you and the subject for its reflection to be that good. In fact, had the reeds not been in the background, you could have posted the photo upside down and it would still look right.
Dwynn, I was going to say the same thing. I haven’t seen a reflection like this, either. Stunning!
Well, I like everything about it. Just as you were discussing the other day, sometimes you just like a photo for its own sake, no further analysis necessary.
The different ways water is, such as in ripples, still, etc., always makes pictures unique and gives each photo personality, like this one. Great picture!
Love the reflection Ron! It’s not often you see the reflection so sharp.
I liked the sharpness of the reflection too, Chris.
It is difficult for me to express how much I love your work, and your sharing of your work. Beautiful! Thank you
Thank you very much, Molly.
This is lovely. I like the composition and the pose. I also really like the blue “halo” around the bird in the reflection and appreciate having the opportunity to see parts of the bird that we wouldn’t see were it not for the reflection.
Good point, Sharon. I hadn’t thought about being able to see those usually hidden areas of the bird.