"For years I wanted to enter the Federal Duck Stamp competition but never had a good reference photo of my own to paint by. This past year included the Blue-winged Teal. I always love to watch these small ducks as they stay in pairs and bob their heads and make a high pitched peeping sound. It was late in the spring, but I knew there were still some Blue-winged Teals at the wetlands who hadn’t flown north yet for nesting. I rented a 500mm lens and proceeded to take some photos of the ducks out in the wetlands. They were far away and even with the long lens it was difficult to get a good shot. After several hours of shooting, I decided to quit for the day. As I was walking back to my truck I saw a pair of ducks in shallow water next to a cypress tree. I quickly took some shots, inched forward and kept taking shots before they swam away. I was able to get close enough to get a good reference shot for the painting. The painting wasn’t selected in the semi-finals, but there is always next year!"