Low light lovelies

This morning was supposed to be fine, it wasn’t, but as I was meeting a bird photographer for a hands-on workshop I ventured out into the drizzle to see how I could help them improve their photography.

I pointed my camera towards this duck as I sank to my knees to check the best exposure. Just as I realised I’d need ISO 6400 this beautiful duck lifted its wings and did a little shimmy shake. This male Maned Duck (aka Australian Wood Duck) displayed the beautiful feathers of its wings, I hadn’t realised they are so exquisitely beautiful and delicate. This pose shows the dark ‘mane’ at the back of the duck’s neck, along with the gorgeous detail on its front. I adore those soft brown feathers curling across the top of its wing.

By staying down low I was able to capture this Pacific Black Duck with the distant autumn leaves shimmering behind it. This regal pose looks very appealing to me.

This gorgeous blackie was so close to me that I increased the depth of field to allow enough of the bird to be in focus to create a pleasing shot. The background colours are from the autumn leaves that were scattered across the grass. There are a few raindrops visible on the duck’s back.

I’d been focussing on blossoms in the rose garden when I noticed this Pacific Black Duck through the foliage. The narrow depth of field, f/4.5, means that only the duck is in focus while the foreground and background are blurred.

These ducks were at a safe location, safe from the Victorian duck shooting season that is reeking havoc and horror at other wetlands around the state.

I think I should venture out into the drizzle more often. There’s nothing quite like soggy knees, beautiful birds and lovely company.

Happy birding, Kim

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