Here's what I've learned so far: I remembered to include the entire circle of water around the body of the bird AND I even left room for her "imaginary feet." :D
Here's what I wasn't so sure about: She ended up almost dead center and no matter how I played with the cropping, it was either ditch the perfect circles around her body or put her close to center. Does it work in this instance? Should I have backed off and left more water around her, moving her closer to a corner? What do you think?
Canon 40D, EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
f/4 @ 640
ISO 320 (forgot to reset it after shooting in the shade)
Eval metering/AWB
Handheld, natural early afternoon light
Julie
I think this is quite a striking pose; love the composition including the reflection and sharpness of the image. The exposure is wonderful.
Well done
Cheers
Gail Spitler
British Columbia Canada
I am learning too! ... so will be interested to hear what others say! I also would include the entire circle, but I might crop up from the bottom (I don't think her feet are that long!!!! ... unless Paris Hilton Feet!!!) plus the reflection is not really clear. I would then try adding some canvas to the right, since she is looking in that direction. The water and color in the background looks great, and sets her off nicely.
Hi Julie Anther vote to crop from bottom. I know you are trying to include the reflection but I would rather have the duck larger in frame. The expression is powerful and want to see is as big as possible. The refection is fine but not perfect.
I find the image pleasing and very warm!!! Gives you a good feeling !!!
lovely lady there and great water too! Agree with the crop from the bottom. Now I could be all wet but I don't think leaving room for the feet applies to a floating bird?
Nonda, it DOES matter! (Just ask Alfred. :D ) He told me on my very first post to leave room on a floating duck for the "imaginary feet" so now I always do!
Julie, I think this is a very nice composition. If you crop from the bottom, I wouldn't too crop much...I just really like the overall balance in this image. The soft, subdued light and ripples around the mallard really work well. Nice job!
Great capture and pose Julie. The expression on your duck is to kill for...:cool: very nicely done, I also agree with taking just a wee bit from the bottom to make your subject stand out...:D
Great capture Julie, love the head angle and the expression as Gus mentioned is to die for. Personally the botton doesn't bother me too much.
A big congrats on this one.
Mrs. Mallard
