I like the concept of this image a lot. Great timing to catch the mallard right at the moment of touchdown. There were a couple of things that kept distracting me. There are several highlights in the water that kept tugging at my eyes. The other was the brightness of the reflection. Hope you don't mind my little bit of work on your image. Cloned out most of the highlights (admittedly, not a perfect job of it). Then applied a curves adjustment layer to darken the reflection and masked off the rest of the image. For me it improves an already fine image.
Nice one Randy ! I must say that I prefer the original posting. The second image is a bit too dark in the bottom left corner for my likeing and the removal of the highlights makes it look less like water than the original image.
Hi Randy,
Awesome capture and I love the BG colours. Autumn is fast approaching here too...
My preference would be for somewhere between the two images.
Best,
Nicki
Hi Randy, I always like these approach/touchdown images, and even better if you include the reflection too. Sharp, and like the exposure on the far wing. The highlights dont bother me, but I feel this needs a slight CW rotation. ( I lined up the eyes )
I like the eye contact and the bird is about to touch the surface of the water. I agree regarding 1 degree CW rotation and would tone down highlights and legs.
Walking on water
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