Eric Gofreed
Well-Known Member
The Wood Duck's Takeoff: Photographing a wood duck's powerful takeoff often comes down to luck, even for skilled photographers. However, with the pre-capture capabilities of newer cameras, moments like this may become more common to capture. I don't have pre-capture.
Pre-capture works by continuously taking photos in a loop while lightly pressing the shutter button. It keeps replacing older photos with new ones, so only the most recent frames are stored. When you fully press the button, the camera saves the last 15 images from that loop, letting you capture the perfect moment just before you took the shot.
To lift off, the wood duck pushes forcefully against the water with its webbed feet, creating a series of small splashes and ripples. Its wings beat quickly, generating a rhythmic whooshing sound as it gains momentum. The duck’s sleek form seems almost weightless as it transitions from the surface, leaving a shimmering spray of water in its wake.
I was tracking a Wood Duck drake as he flew near a pair of mallards. Startled by his approach, the mallard hen begins her liftoff. Her wings beat the water and her feet push doward simultaneously
Continuing to follow the wood duck, you can also follow the mallard hen as she continues her launch.
The mallard hen rocketed straight up like a missile. The photo captures the precise moment of her explosive ascent from the water.
This shot freezes the moment a mallard hen bursts from the water. Her webbed feet are fully outstretched, with droplets scattering and trailing her ascent. Her wings, poised for the next powerful downbeat, drive the transition from water to air in a display of sheer force.
Pre-capture works by continuously taking photos in a loop while lightly pressing the shutter button. It keeps replacing older photos with new ones, so only the most recent frames are stored. When you fully press the button, the camera saves the last 15 images from that loop, letting you capture the perfect moment just before you took the shot.
To lift off, the wood duck pushes forcefully against the water with its webbed feet, creating a series of small splashes and ripples. Its wings beat quickly, generating a rhythmic whooshing sound as it gains momentum. The duck’s sleek form seems almost weightless as it transitions from the surface, leaving a shimmering spray of water in its wake.
I was tracking a Wood Duck drake as he flew near a pair of mallards. Startled by his approach, the mallard hen begins her liftoff. Her wings beat the water and her feet push doward simultaneously
Continuing to follow the wood duck, you can also follow the mallard hen as she continues her launch.
The mallard hen rocketed straight up like a missile. The photo captures the precise moment of her explosive ascent from the water.
This shot freezes the moment a mallard hen bursts from the water. Her webbed feet are fully outstretched, with droplets scattering and trailing her ascent. Her wings, poised for the next powerful downbeat, drive the transition from water to air in a display of sheer force.
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