<< Previous Next >>

Looks Like He Won My Affection


Looks Like He Won My Affection
Photo Information
Copyright: Bob Airhart (bobair) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 384 W: 84 N: 1259] (4614)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-03-25
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: f/8, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2008-03-29 20:42
Viewed: 487
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Looks Like He Won My Affection is what I'll call todays upload.There were 12 mergansers on the Highwood River at the time and the female merganser was being courted by most of them but the fellow you see with her in this shot won the day.I do not see the difference from one male merganser to the next but his display had something going for it that she liked.I really like these birds especially their red coloured bills as they are so very vivid coloured.I need help in the exposure for shots like this one as the white details of the male are just a little too strong and even though I tried an under exposed shot the whites are still a little over bearing.If you know how to deal with this exposure issue I sure would be grateful for any tips.In the workshop I have two more photos showing the male's courtship routine and I like the way his tail is fanned out and this is the first time I have ever seen this behavior.Mergansers are attractive birds and I hope to see more of them in the not to distant future.All photos were PP with Paint.Net. Thanks for having a look at these two. Bob
Alex99, earthtraveler, Proframe, jhm, Adanac, NinaM has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hi Bob,
Nice capture of these "lovers". Mergansers are cool birds. I had some shots yesterday but much too distant for anything to keep. This is very nice. Fine detail but as you mention the whites are a bit OE. Water reflections are a fine addition. Personally I'd try to bring in white detail in PS. Tough bird with that dark head on white. The female looks perfect. TFS Richard

Hi Bob,

Lovely shot of this pair of Merganser.
Clear, pin sharp and with wonderful color contrast..
Very well done. TFS!!!

Best regards and have a nice Sunday,

Harry

  • Great 
  • jhm Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 660 W: 0 N: 178] (626)
  • [2008-03-29 23:52]

Hello Bob,

Very nice taken this lovely couple, male female merganser between the excellent reproduction of the motion, attractive ripples on the water surface, also the sharpness and clarity are very nice.
Vedry well done.

Best reagrds,
John.

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3174 W: 154 N: 4796] (15481)
  • [2008-03-30 1:50]

Hi Bob.
Thanks for kind words of encouragement and thanks for sharing of this cute expressive picture. Excellent reproduction of the motion, attractive ripples on the water surface (DOF and sharpness of the image is really great). I like excellent lighting and bright colours of the image. It seems to me WS is underexposed a little bit. MY bets regards and TFS.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1111 W: 1 N: 4518] (15132)
  • [2008-03-30 3:27]

Hello Bob,
Wonderful images all three, the bright sunlight and the sharp contrast of the males head and body colors are tough. A slightly overcast day, dawn or dusk lighting are the ticket here I think. When I first started identifying species I was shocked to find this was the same species. Thanks my friend for this fine set of images.
Rick

An adorable shot! They're so cute! What a wonderful hairstyle she has.

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 655 W: 0 N: 1623] (5300)
  • [2008-03-30 8:54]

As a female, I can say with confidence that this male is a superb one, virile and strong! Great notes to read once more, Bob, and great picture. You probably already know and might use it, but what about turning on the Highlight Priority for such cases? On my camera, it is a fantastic feature and I am surprised each time it's on at how well it discriminates for the whites.

I'am amazed at the difference in colours between the male and female and yet they sure make a lovely couple. Beautiful capture with ice and water, nice reflections and superb colours. The details are amazing. Thank you!

Francine

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-03-31 20:32]

Hello Bob

A beautiful capture of this pair of mergensers.I have been trying to get a good shot for a couple of years.
Well composed in the frame.
The focus is excellent with lovely lighting and natural colours.
TFS

Rob

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF