Theme: Wood Duck

[annmpacheco]

The autumn leaves provided gorgeous colors to rival this colorful drake looking for a mate.

iso 800 ss 1/1000 f 8
500 mm 1DX

[Grace Scalzo]

An explosion of color...very nice. The IQ isn't quite what I would expect given your gear...is this a large crop? NR to the background would be beneficial and I personally would like either a full refelection or recompose for less (depending on what you have to work with)

[keith mitchell]

Would like to see this with the colours toned down a little bit, it's a bit bright for my taste, just a personal view of course,do like the pose and the head turn of this fine looking Duck.

Keith.

[Bob Smith]

It's the fabulous colours, in both bird and BG, that make this image, although I agree with others that perhaps a smidgen of toning them down would be an improvement. Agree also to adjust the crop to either bring in the whole head reflection or move it up to eliminate the tip of the bill. Having said that Anne,it's a wonderful image of a wonderful bird in a wonderful place and you're lucky to have the skill and opportunity to create such an image.

[arash_hazeghi]

the colors are great but the poor IQ is holding this back. I am not sure if it is processing or excessive cropping

TFS

[gail bisson]

The bones for a great image are here Ann.
I would decrease the exposure by about 1/2 stop, crop up from the bottom and a bit of NR to the BG.
The color palette is 'to die for" and you have a great POV and head turn. the IQ on the duck is fine to my eye.
This just needs a bit of TLC in PP and it would be an amazing image,
Gail

[annmpacheco]

thanks for all your comments, i tried my best with your suggestions. Happy New Year!

[keith mitchell]

The toned down colours are a big improvement IMHO but did like the position of the Duck in the OP better,still all very nice work.

A very Happy New Year to you.

Keith.

[gail bisson]

Much much better Ann! Prefer comp of the OP though.
Happy New Year!