Every time I had to test a new piece of photographic equipment, I found myself heading to the local duck pond. Thankfully, this made me realize the subject matter found there deserved much greater attention than simply being a testing ground. I found myself making early morning trips to get the best light. The location that once was reserved for testing became a favorite place for serious photography.
The first step in becoming a better photographer of any subject is getting to know it. This is where a bit of research comes into play. With regards to my local duck pond, this meant finding out what species frequent it during specific seasons. Some species winter there and can be found year round while others are found only at certain times of the year. Some migrate and their stay doesn’t last long. Research specie-specific behavior, seasonal plumage, birthing time, etc.
As with most birds, the males of water fowl are more colorful than the female. For this reason, the males are sought after as they yield more vividly colored images. Get to learn the differences of the males and females of each species to be able to identify your subjects. There are many guide books that help with identification.
My favorite time to photograph water fowl is in the late winter and early spring as their plumage is at its peak. Sunrise is the best time of day as the air is usually still allowing the water to act like a mirror creating beautiful reflections of your subjects. Combined with a clear blue sky, the color of the water is magnificent.
Great Article! Keep them coming!!
I’ve been with Russ on an early morning duck shoot and his teaching is beyond reproach. The above image is just another demonstration of his fine artistry.
WOW — Beautiful Photo and great tipsQq
Great tips. I am a regular reader of Russ’s tips. They are always concise, practical, and inspire me to create better photography.
I now look at my “backyard” differently. Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees. Thanks Russ for helping me see the obvious.
This is great advise….If you never done a russ burden photo trip…You should, he is an amazing mentor.
Thanks for the article. I live on oake with wintering birds, yet have virtually ignored them. No longer-thanks Russ!!
As always, good advice. I need to remember to get to local ponds, lakes, trails on weekends I cannot get out for longer drives. A lot to learn!
Great advice. Thanks to your tips, I now look at my everyday surroundings in a new light.
And it is now late winter/early spring so time to get out there shooting (images, of course). Thanks for the timely info and tip, Russ. I’ll be out there tomorrow morning.
Another case for “returning to the same location!!”
Light, time of day, observation and research, and then just being there ??? all great tips!! I can still come home with too many less than crisp, sharp images like the one displayed here.
I find myself looking for technical information about the actual shot: such as lens, camera settings, ISO, tripod or handheld, was the image run through noise reduction software, and distance from subject relative to lens length.
Many Thanks.