Colour in photographs is harder to find in a northern hemisphere winter than at any other time of the year. Invariably, as the darker, colder months progress, I find myself searching for colourful subjects to brighten up my photographic output. Sunny days and blue skies, perhaps with snow, often do the trick. However, this year has been notably overcast, mild and wet, so such conditions have been scarce or non-existent. Night time photographs are another source of winter colour, as are fiery sunrises and sunsets.
A different approach to satisfying this craving for colour is to search out those that do exist, no matter how small, and make the most of them. That was my approach with this photograph. Drake mallards, like most ducks, display the brightest colours in autumn, winter and spring. This tame example in a park was caught in a low shaft of sunlight coming through the trees, making the colours appear even brighter against the dark water. I chose this composition to make the most of the colours rather than to illustrate the bird. I was particularly pleased that the water added blue to the bright yellow, green and reddish brown.
photograph and text © Tony Boughen
Photo Title: Mallard Colours
Camera: Olympus E-M10
Mode: Aperture Priority
Focal Length: 96mm (192mm - 35mm equiv.)
F No: f5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec
ISO:640
Exposure Compensation: -0.3 EV
Image Stabilisation: On
