Hooded Merganser - Viera Wetlands

[Garry Gibson]

This is a shot of a Hooded Merganser taken this past weekend at the Viera Wetlands.

I have several other shots of just the duck, but I was somewhat intrigued by the
wood and the ducks in the background. However, I also realize they could detract.
I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Thanks in advance
Garry

Canon 7D 500F4 1.4TC
ISO 400 F7.1 1/1600 AV EC+1/3

I got rid of a branch in the upper right hand corner, little noise reduction in Lightroom
and added minimal Vibrance and Clarity in Lightroom as well.

[Cody Covey]

I agree the background does seem a bit busy but it is adding to the picture instead of detracting from it. At least in my very, very amateur opinion!

[Chris Korman]

The way this photo is arranged, it has a surreal feeling to it, like there is a liquefy tool on it.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Gary - The main subject looks good, exposure and pose are both good, love that yellow eye.
As for the background - IMHO just a little too busy or perhaps just that little bit of separation between the main Merganser and the one in the background.
That said it does have a kinda nice feel to it.

keep em coming :)

[Julie Kenward]

I agree with Lance. If you had been able to take 1-2 steps to the left you could have put a little separation between the main bird and the BG birds and he wouldn't feel so crowded. If this were mine, I'd crop vertically and clone out the BG so it was all blue - the bird and that interesting perch are what tells the story for me here.

[Gordon McKechnie]

My vote is with Julie's suggestion - I think the main bird & perch are lovely (pose, sharpness & exposure all look spot on to me), so it should make a beautiful picture even without the interest element of the BG birds

[Garry Gibson]

Thanks very much all for your comments.

I will take Julie's advice and see about changing the crop and working on the background.

again thanks for the help.

Garry

[pat lillich]

really gorgeous bird and perch - look forward to seeing the repost.