Too big for the room?

[dankearl]

I debated on this one, the female mallard kept drifting closer and closer.
Pretty much full frame.
1/200
f5
iso250
420mm (300f2.8 w/ 1.4tc)
flash fill in twilight

DSC_1832nx8.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102630&stc=1&d=1318992593)

[Sidharth Kodikal]

I like the comp, Dan. Not too big for me. Lovely low angle, dark bg and use of flash. Nicely done

[Ron Sprunger]

Lovely image Dan. Guess I'd probably be more comfortable with a little off the bottom, and something added to the front -- a slightly pano look.

[Ken Watkins]

Dan,

A simple but simply beautiful image, the dark water makes this really pop.

If I was to be really picky I think there is a little noise in the BG, but there should not be. Plus if I was too be even more picky the "feather" under the beak could go.

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent Dan, right size for and stands out nicely against the dark BG.

[Randy Stout]

Dan:

Nice little lady, stands out well, sharp.

I agree with Ron about a bit more room in front. I would crop up from below to remove the bottom bill in the reflection, and add a bit to the right. A challenge with the ripples, but possible.


Nice use of flash.

Cheers

Randy

[Joe Senzatimore]

A little more room would be nice , but still a fine image. Nice use of fill and great exposure.

[Dan Busby]

I wouldn't debate too long Dan - this is a very nice image. Nice use of flash to set this bird off from the dark BKGR. Great detail. I vote for less space below as per Randy. I think it would be a better image without the feather below the chin - i.e. the head would be better defined. But removal of it is a personal thing.

[Jim Crosswell]

Beautiful image Dan! I like the details, BG and use of fill flash.

[Craig Kerr]

Excellent exposure on the bird and I really like that very dark back ground.

[Stu Bowie]

Dan, good use of fill flash, and I really like the detail and colours on her breast area. I agree cropping up from the bottom will work, as well as adding a touch more to the RHS. The dark BG works well.:w3

[Mital Patel]

Dan,

Am sure you would be having party with getting this image. Excellent sharp features well exposed and complimenting bg. the silk dark water is a huge plus.

I agree with those few people here wish to remove the touch of feather between the beak and breast gap.

Overall i am so happy to see this finest image.

TFS :cheers:

[Petros Petrou]

Great IQ. Nice flash use. I like the way it pops out of the dark background. It is a little tight in the frame for me but it is Ok. If it was mine I would leave some more room above and crop a little from below.

[Arthur Morris]

Sometimes too big in the frame works, as here. Hard to verbalize why but I like it. Just enough room with a sweet BKGR. I even like the visible feather below the base of the bill. SH and EXP right on.

[dankearl]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Very much appreciated.
I thought about getting rid of the feather behind the bill, but just didn't have the heart to do it.
I don't like to groom birds.
I wish I had a bit more room, but I don't.