Point, and Counterpoint

[Norm Dulak]

I am privileged to live beside a creek that each winter hosts numerous Tundra Swans. I am always fascinated by their activities, and in this case there was a juxtaposition of two entirely different moods. On the one hand there was vigorous activity of one group of swans, characterized by wing flapping and water churning. On the other, there was a lone passive observer, interested in viewing the action yet detached from it.

The situation was almost perfect for the image I wanted to covey, with one notable exception. Under the right wing of the swan farthest to the left was another, sleeping swan! So I exercised my artistic license, and removed that nettlesome swan in Photoshop.

Norm

[Hazel Grant]

I'm not sure why you posted this on OOTB, but I like the juxtaposition you suggested. On the other hand, I think there is enough of that same thought in the swans to the left--the quiet one in the front vs the excited ones around it. so, I cropped to see how that fit. I'd probably delete those grasses in LL corner. Also added just a touch of saturation. It's your vision, so this is just a suggestion. Nice catch with such action!

[Cheryl Slechta]

Norm, I like the composition with the 4th swan looking on. I'd evict the grasses on the bottom edge

[denise ippolito]

Norm, Nice looking water color and the Tundra Swans are special. A couple of the spots throughout seem a bit too bright. I also think it is just a bit tight in the frame with all those birds I may have given a bit more room on the sides and taken a tiny sliver off the top to clean up the edge. I agree w/ evicting the grass too. I like your original comp. with the fourth bird but Hazel offers a nice alternative comp.

[Norm Dulak]

Thanks everyone. Your comments are much appreciated. And have a Happy New Year!

[Steve Adkins]

Neat idea and a good alternative offered. Good work in PS and there might be just a bit to clean up on the extreme left edge.

[Norm Dulak]

Thanks again everyone. The grasses have been duly evicted in this repost.

Norm

[Dave Mills]

Norm, you might want to check the far left by the wing....