Magic light, wonderful dark, smooth water, dead sharp. I love the water reflecting on the bird. I find the birds in the background a little distracting, considering how dark the water and BG. Bird looks a little hot just above the water line. A really nice image.
Repost, removed BG reflections.
I was attempting to do as little PP on this as possible.
This is still basically out of camera, sized for the web.
Thanks for the comments and also a big thanks to Arash, who gave me some
off site advice this week.
Good exposure on the repost...the hot spot clean-up is well done. I also like the tweaks to the BG. Neat water reflections on the duck. I'd add a bit of canvas below to make more room for the lowest reflection that is currently skimming the bottom edge.
P.S. Looks to me like a mostly Mallard domesticated duck...
Very nice image. The light and exposure look very good.
I would suggest moving the duck a little higher in the frame.
BTW, this looks like a domestic duck.
Lovely spot light effect and great job on the repost, Dan.
Nice low angle and eye contact.
Sharpness looks good - not sure if the jaggies on the duck's back are from sharpening?
Dan, I really like the reflections on the duck's head and neck, and you have achieved some good sharpness there too. Well exposed, and he does stand out against the darker BG.