Yellow-billed duck drinking

[Gordon McKechnie]

Took this shot early evening in Rietvlei, South Africa. I was rushing a bit to get the shot while the duck was drinking, and so didn't manage to get the focus point on the head/eye.
Canon 50D
100-400mm @ 400mm
F5.6 1/800 +0.33
ISO 400

All comments & suggestions appreciated

[Joel Eade]

What a beauty! Very unique pose too. Love the colors, I see no problem with the focus or sharpness.

I might look at toning the highlights/whites down just a touch and (if it were mine) maybe remove the white wash on the log.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Gordon,

Well framed, I like the balance in the frame and the subject placement is unique and actually offers nice lines that keep the eye on the subject IMO. This is a strong photograph with simple elements, nice colors and a solid story. Just curious, was this a large crop the opportunity is to work the eye or as you mentioned using a single sensor focusing on the eye area for more detail going forward. Might darken the pupil a tad as well and clean up the reflection in BLHC- keep em coming.

[Rachel Hollander]

Gordon - unusual pose and nice warm light and colors. Good suggestions above.

TFS,
Rachel

[David N Smith]

Gordon - great capture and I really like the pose.

TFS
Dave

[Gordon McKechnie]

Many thanks for comments & suggestions. I'll try incorporate all into a rework. Jeff - no, not much cropping at all on this one. I was using single sensor, but as this wasn't much of a crop I needed to change it from centre sensor to left sensor, which I didn't have time to do.

[Cathy McEntee]

Hi Gordon - Nice image - love the pose and water running down the bill. Agree with Jeff re the eye. Great job.