Ruff VI

[Richard Unsworth]

:)

I'm really trying lol

Sorry for all these single species shots but it is good for learning.

Got this one with full reflection, though it is slightly distorted :(
I can't decide where to crop, as is I was trying to portray emptiness; do you think it should be done differently?
Image rotated 5 degrees CW, NR to BG only, exposure lifted a little in CR5

F 6.3
SS 1/200
FL 320
ISO 800

40D 100-400 x 1.4

[Dave Leroy]

I really like the look of the water. It is a very nice soft colour and the spiky reflections add a lot.

The only suggestion I have for the empty look is for more space all around the bird, ie bird smaller in frame. Certainly is a bit of deadpan look from bird with no catch light.

I might also clean up up the few spots in the bird's reflection and a tad more sharpening?

As is composition is very nice.

Dave

[Ray Rozema]

Exposure and color look good. agree with Dave about removing spots from reflection. I would favor a little less room on the right and a little more on the right. Probably could sharpen the bird a little more. Absolutely beautiful background

[Alan Lillich]

I think this crop is great, I would say it portrays contemplation more than emptiness. Even the head being turned slightly away is fine to me, adding to the mood. The face is still evenly lit. I agree about removing the white spots in the reflection.

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Richard,

Greetings. I like the crop and particularly the water and the color contrast in between the feather color and the water reflections. I think the image would benefit from some feather detail work.

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Richard Unsworth]

:)

Thanks all will tidy up a little

[Julie Kenward]

Richard, I tried several different crops and nothing I tried was really stronger than what you had here. I do think you could take a bit off the right but this does help convey the "emptiness/thoughtful" feeling.

The one thing I can add that nobody else has mentioned is your downward angle on the bird. If you had been down lower you might have captured a more expressive eye and/or catch light and that would have added so much to this. Always try to get down to their level whenever possible - it really produces so much more emotion that way.

Lovely water...and a nice exposure here.

[Richard Unsworth]

:)

Thanks Julie

dead right re angle, unfortunately from a hide, no way to get lower