C&C Please! Drake Mallard

[Cody Covey]

This is a picture I took with my Rebel XT 75-300mm @ 205mm F/5 ISO400 1/800sec This is a wild bird but taken in a local park where they are frequently fed. Nothing has been done to this photo outside of LR3 corrections


_MG_6446 by eildydar, on Flickr

[arash_hazeghi]

you got the nice colors, but other than that this is not a strong photo IMO, because the bird is completely facing away from you. If the ducks was facing you, you were lower and the BG was more smooth this would be a great shot.

[Randy Stout]

Cody:

The image does show the colors of the head and speculum well, as well as nice detail on the primaries the birds left wing.

Arash makes some good points. Generally images are more engaging to the viewer if the bird is facing towards them. The lower shooting angle also generally gives more of an eye level feel with the bird, which often helps too. There are exceptions where background and other factors make that not work, but it is generally a good idea. It also tends to throw the background out of focus more, which usually works well too.

One other point. Most of us start out putting the subject too much in the center. Most images are more dynamic if the bird is off centered a bit, usually with more room in the direction he is facing.

Ducks make great learning subjects, as do gulls. Keep working it, and hope to see more.

Cheers

Randy

[Matthew Studebaker]

I agree with both previous comments. A lower shooting angle would help the background dramaticly. Beautiful colors on the bird here. I could see using more space at the top of the frame so the head isn't so close to the edge. Looking forward to seeing more from you here.

[Cody Covey]

I agree with both previous comments. A lower shooting angle would help the background dramaticly. Beautiful colors on the bird here. I could see using more space at the top of the frame so the head isn't so close to the edge. Looking forward to seeing more from you here.

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I got distracted by the colors because I like this picture haha. But I do see what you guys mean about all of your comments. Just learning and I think I tend to think more about getting the picture exposed correctly and sharp than composition. It will be something I think about a lot more now thatI have posted a couple things and am getting the same advice. Thanks a lot!