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Ok, I know this isn't going to appeal to everyone but you know I like to get way out of the box... I used a bit of poster edge filter in PS, overlaid in soft light mode at a low opacity, just to accentuate the edges a bit. I used a levels adjustment layer to drop the blacks to point of being "crushed" as we say in the video world. The original shot from the camera would make a nice chiaroscuro image, but I wanted to take it out of the box a little farther. :c3:
I have to admit my immediate reaction wasn't so positive, but it's definitely growing on me. The recognition that it appears to be emerging from total darkness was the key because it leaves the viewer with an untold story to complete on their own.
I like the head, with the white band and the red eyes. The part to the right looks like a tail, which can't be right. I'd be interested in seeing the original image.
Here is the original, unedited except for a crop and some cleanup of the water. You can see that I lightened the eye on the right.
Thanks for posting the original image. I now see the back body of the duck. The work you did on the eye for the OP was good.
I love it! And I normally hate crushed blacks. You didn't push them so far as to turn the edges grainy.
I have the feeling I'd like a little more room for the guy -- but maybe that's part of the feeling you wish to evoke. He looks royally evil. (Or at least like he THINKS he's royally evil.)
I like that you have pushed the theme even further Kerry. I think it made a big difference in bringing that one eye out more in terms of making the duck look more threatening. Maybe a little too tight in the frame.
Thanks everyone! I do agree that he's a little tight in the frame but I didn't frame it very well when I shot it (not much light in the viewfinder) and he ended up in the lower left corner. I added some canvas all around and gave him a bit more space. I don't want to get too loose with the crop though, because I wanted it to be "in your face". In a nice way, of course... :c3:
Kerry, kudos on the low angle of view. I bet this caught the attention of some of the Avian Forum crew. I prefer the repost with more room. Nice work with the eyes.
A wonderful image. The orange eyes grab you and the duck glows it emerges from the darkness!
Two duck in a row, wow...very lovely fitting creation. well done, what's not to like
This duck certainly is looking threatening! I like the unusual super dark approach with the much of the dark blending into the bkgd with the contrasting very white bill markings. The red eyes evoke emotion. Tight in the frame but I think that adds to the impact. Maybe this is what a night roaming raccoon would see by disturbing the sleeping duck.
