Love the big waves, ruffled feathers, esp. the little tuft on the top of the head. I do agree the image reads a bit dark, but I am ok with it, as it adds to the stormy sense, for me. I would try a lighter version as well, and see if it works. Perhaps it would tell a different story?
Very nicely captured in turbulent waters. I like the dark mood of this. It looks like you managed to find one of the few crevices that allow you to get fairly low to the water.
Hi Alex ... a fine shot indeed .
Personally i think contrast is a bit heavy in the subject and the blacks looking very dense . I would expect softer light though ... but you were there and you portray the scene as you like it .
Hi Alex, I like the light in this, and you have captured a good angled swimming pose. The raised feather adds interest, and the bubbling water takes this up a few notches. I do agree, trying a version with more exposure on the duck wont harm the image.
I'm with many of the others that I do like it portrayed dark as is, and also would experiment with a brighter version (while retaining the low-sun quality). Nice to have it sitting on top of the choppy water!
This is beautiful, Alex. The rich golden tones contrast the dark blue waves perfectly. Framing and exposure are right on. I'd leave the brightness as presented because the dark, choppy waves give a great impression of the weather conditions at the time. I also love the solitary raised feather. TFS
Thanks all for the comments and thoughts. I'll look at a little brighter version as well. I've blown the HLs on these birds so many times I tend to exposure them a little darker than most subjects so good to look at the lighter option. Best,