When photographing wildlife, I will whenever possible focus on the eye of the subject. If the eye(s) appear clear in the camera’s eye piece, chances are the rest of the animal or at least the head will also be in focus. If the eyes are out of focus or lost in shadow (dead eye), the personal connection of the photograph to the viewer will be lost and the photo tends to be less attractive. I took this shot at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. The shot was taken early in the morning. The sun was at my back and shining onto the side of this ring neck duck. If this shot were taken near sunset with the light on the back side of the duck, the eye would be duller and the photo less enticing. Since I can’t always position myself to get the sun at my back, I will focus on the eye and then wait for the animal to turn its head so its eye catches the light.
