Hi Dan, the focus and sharpness is in the right place, and I like the raised feathers from the preening behaviour. The log looks very slippery due to all the moss on it. Comp wise, if this were mine, I would move him over to the RHS.
Wow, I am surprised too I have never noticed the beautiful colours an this species. I really like this image you have captured some fine details there. I too would consider repositioning the duck to the right, so he has somewhere to look as it were, alternatively if you just flip the image you may consider it job done.
Really beautiful image of this gadwall, lovely textures, patterns, colors. So much to look at here. Wish we could see the eye a tad better. Have you tried lightening it even just a little?
Dan- Yes they are amazing ducks, especially like this when they are in fresh plumage. I really like detail in the feathers and the colour tones. Agree with above on crop and with Melissa on lightening. Best bet is to do this from RAW and use the Fill light slider to lighten up the duck. You may also need to selectively lighten the top of head and eye area with the dodge tool.
Wonderful image Dan!! I dont find these ducks at all I think their feathers and colors are very attractive. With that said, I love the pose you captured here. Excellent detail, I really like the complementary background, and the mossy perch tops it all off. Repost is much better.
Well done.
Dan, the repost is much better. A front view of Gadwall is always nie as it shows off the pattern on the breast. liked the layers of feathers and the pose. you chose a very good shooting angle. well done.