Colorful Canvasback

[Judy Howle]

I wasn't here when Dave was, but looking at his OOTB images I found some that were very colorful and similar in some ways to this one. I used Topaz Simplify with 2 different presets and combined them to create this image of a Canvasback that I photographed yesterday.

[Dennis Bishop]

I like the composition, and the movement in the water with all those curves is wonderful. I think the vertical of the duck's neck against the strong horizontal flow creates a very effective tension in the image. I'd prefer it a bit lighter with less saturation, but that's a personal preference thing.

[Steve Adkins]

Love the mix of effects, Judy. For me, the head turn across the image makes for a nice comp. Great theme image!

[Judy Howle]

I like the composition, and the movement in the water with all those curves is wonderful. I think the vertical of the duck's neck against the strong horizontal flow creates a very effective tension in the image. I'd prefer it a bit lighter with less saturation, but that's a personal preference thing.

Thanks Dennis! That photo was made in strange light, the duck was very dark, it was about 4 PM with a cloud in front of the sun yet the water was still very bright with the waves creating patterns. I couldn't make it look presentable as a straight photo but I really like the way it turned out as an OOTB image. It does look way too saturated, more than when working on it, so I have desaturated it and lightened it a few points.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Judy, the repost looks great! Dave would have liked it - he loved water birds.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Cheryl! I hoped it would fit the theme.

[Dennis Bishop]

I like the re-post. It has a watercolor look this way.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks, I agree it's an improvement. I like your quote!

[Paul Lagasi]

Nice work Judy, repost is solid. Fitting for the theme. In my opinion Canvasbacks rule, they are by far one of my favourite duck.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Paul! They are one of my favorites too, along with wood ducks which I haven't seen close enough to photograph in several years. I haven't seen a canvasback in the last 2 yrs. except once about a quarter mile away so it was a big surprise to find them there Friday.

[Indranil Sircar]

Beautiful composition, Judy. Love the waves and the watercolor effect... excellent repost.