Heron reflection

[Cheryl Slechta]

I've been working on this for days and don't know whether the vertical crop will appeal to anyone but I kind of
liked it. This was taken at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge (my first trip) which I visited a couple of weeks ago.
I started with Nik>contrast range, then Topaz clean > crisp style, then Frac. B&W and finally a slight Frac Lines
filter.

Thanks for looking. Comments and suggestions appreciated:)

[Christopher Miller]

Hi Cheryl, I think the vertical crop is perfect for this! Along with the minimalist look, it gives the image an Oriental feel. I like the reflection and the faint wash of color on the BG. Very nicely done. :)

[Cheryl Slechta]

Thanks, Christopher, I'm glad you like it.:)

[denise ippolito]

Cheryl, I think this is one of your best pieces. I love the minimalist feel and the composition. The slight hint of color is perfect. Your sig. in the ULC is a nice touch.:)

[Cindy Cone]

Hi Cheryl, I definitely like this one. I think the vertical crop works well, and the simple lines and tones are well done.

[Indranil Sircar]

Excellent composition, Cheryl. Love the minimalist view. This is one of the my favorites of yours. Very nicely done.

[Mark Fuge]

Nice image and application, Cheryl.

??? Your first visit to Merritt??? A Floridian and you haven't been there??? :eek: :D

Unfortunately, you picked the worst year since 2000 to go. I hope you go back when the birds are there. The last two years have been somewhat disappointing, but still worth the drive. Last year they drained the pond for an extended period and I think that kept many birds away from view. They may have been deeper in the marsh, but not along the traveled routes. Hopefully next year the weather (TOO COLD!!!!) and Refuge Management will cooperate.

But that said, I like your image and the format is great in my view. Simplicity with a definate statement. The lighting is also nice. ;) :D

Hope to see you on the trial someday.

[Barbara Kile]

I love the simplicity and the comp, Cheryl. The gradation of color in the bg is very pleasing along with the tones. Great work!

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Cheryl this is my favourite of yours - I love the minimalism and the pale tones and the crop works really well. Lovely work :)
Best,
Nicki

[Cheryl Slechta]

Thank you everyone - it's one of my favorites also but I wasn't sure if anyone else would like it.
Mark - I'm embarrassed to say it was my first trip (but not my last). I'm definitely planning on going in the fall and winter. Are you there often?

[Kerry Perkins]

Cheryl, this is super! I agree with Christopher about the asian feel. Might consider adding a "chop" and some asian font work in that ULC, as Dan Brown might do. Top-notch work on this one!!