Limited Edition /200

This image of a Wood Duck titled Painted Drake, was captured in the gentle light of late afternoon, as reflections of autumn color drifted across the surface of a quiet pond.

Gliding effortlessly through rippling water, the drake appears almost too vivid to be real — a living palette of emerald, chestnut, ivory, and crimson. The mirrored surface beneath him softens and distorts his reflection into flowing brushstrokes, while the background melts into warm, painterly tones. The entire scene feels less like a photograph and more like something rendered by hand, where motion and color blend into a single, fluid composition.

This shot required careful attention to light and angle. The key was positioning to capture both the clean detail of the bird and the abstract reflections without breaking the surface calm. Even slight disturbances in the water could disrupt the composition, and the constantly shifting reflections meant waiting for the right balance of color and movement. It was a matter of patience — letting the scene come together naturally rather than forcing it.

Add this limited edition image to your collection. It captures the quiet elegance of still water and the extraordinary beauty of one of nature’s most striking birds — a serene, painterly piece that brings color, movement, and a sense of calm sophistication to any space.