Eider

Kerry duck image threads, gave me a few ideas and I found this eider image from the Biodome in Montreal, Canada. I thought it would be perfect.

I used Topaz B & W Effects for the conversion. Didn't really do much else, except the addition of the frame.

Great graphic image Paul. The black and white conversion on the bird works really well for the theme. I like the tiny catchlight in the eye too.

Paul, would you like "theme" added to your title? Interesting composition with the bkgd of water/solid black creating a diagonal line and the duck on a perfect horizontal cutting across that diagonal. Also good contrast between the smooth look of the blacks/grays/whites of the duck vs the textured appearance of the water. The eider is lovely for this rendition and the catchlight in the eye is critical as a focal point. Nice hazy white for the framing is a nice finishing touch.

I agree with Nancy about that primary diagonal and the contrast in textures. It's also good, I think, that you caught the duck crossing the diagonal.