Aperture

Like any true wild life photographer, you will like to enter the “bird hunters” league, “the big guys”. But, birds move fast, so you can’t just go out with the camera and shoot birds, because, like I said, they move fast.

Anyhow there is a certain learning curve in everything. This also applies to “bird hunting”. So, if you plan to shoot birds, start with birds which are not that fast as the rest of the birds. One example are ducks. Why not start with ducks?

I’ve decided to write this guide after extensively searching on the internet for similar guides. There is none, so welcome to the “Definitive Guide to Duck Photography“, the guide that will cover all aspects of duck photography, required equipments, techniques and Tips & Tricks from the master (yes, that will be me )

There is clearly something about ducks. You just have to admit it. Something that makes you shoot one the moment you see it. Ok, so let us leave aside the bla-blas and get right into juicy part.

The equipment…

1. First you will need a camera. I recommend you to use a mobile phone (because it has live view, also recently introduced in D-SLRs, but mobiles we’re first) and you have amazing control over the angle. If you forgot your mobile phone home (like I did), use your back-up photo camera. I have a Canon 40D as backup for my Nokia 6230i. If you do not have a Canon 40D, go buy one. As an alternative you can use also a Canon 5D MKII or even Canon 1D MKIII, but do not expect the same results. 40D is clearly the best option as a backup camera when shooting ducks. If you are a Nikon owner, that’s cool, but Nikon can only be used as a backup for Canon, not for you mobile.
2. Second you will need some lens. The lens is that thing that’s attached to the camera and has a black cover on top (that plastic circle which always spoils you the moment). The great news here is: if you haven’t forgot your mobile @ home (like I did), there is no need for the lens, since the mobile has the lens built-in – and can also play mp3 files, so I heard. But if you are a genius (like I am) and forgot the mobile home (like I did), there a clear need for a lens to put on your Canon 40D backup camera. I used on my Canon 40D for this set an EF135mm f2.8 lens. I do not want to enter into debates why 135mm f2.8 is the winner here, right? If you cannot afford the 135mm f2.8 you can make a compromise for any Canon Prime Tele or Zooms Tele, but only the ones which are white (the duck likes white) and with a red ring in the front end, but again, do not expect the same results.
3. The 3rd thing is popcorn. Yes, a group of Monegasque scientists at a University in Pakistan, had a recent breakthrough: The duck likes popcorn. Reason is still unknown. So have a bag of popcorn ready.

Having covered the basic materials needed for you to be an expert duck photographer, let’s move to the technique, after which I’ll share some useful insights from my experience.

Ok, so… now what? You need some ducks right? How to find some ducks is up to you. You can start by photographing some yellow rubber ducks in the tub – it’s a very relaxing experience. You may be in luck here because you are at home, so you cannot forget your mobile at home, but if you are unlucky and forgot your mobile in the pub (like I did) use your backup camera (the excellent Canon 40D).

After getting used to shooting rubber ducks in the tub, you may go out with your confidence rebuild and eventually, some ducks will pop out. When this happens make sure you have your popcorn ready to lure the ducks. Do not be overexcited about it or the ducks will duck and you spent your bucks for the popcorn for nothing. Patience here. Once the ducks will feel comfortable with your presence, you may start to shoot them.

There you go. All of the aspects of duck photography have been covered. Here are some tips and the wrap up for this guide:

1. Tip number 1: Never forget your mobile @ home.
2. Tip number 2: Never forget your mobile in the pub.
3. Tip number 3: “The Dacs comes from the Tracs”.
4. Tip number 4: There is no spoon.

Happy hunting.

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