A wood duck in Lilly pads

Image Critiques
1

Wood Duck in lillies NPN.jpg
Wood Duck in lillies NPN.jpg2500×1665 2 MB

Critique Style Requested: In-depth

The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.

Self Critique

I was looking for something beyond the classic male wood duck in the Spring floating by. I found that the wood ducks hangout nearby in a small pond. I like the 4 rows of growth that , to me, gives the image depth

Creative direction

Looking for something different than the other wood duck images I have in open water. Too close in would take away from this scene in my opinion.

Thoughts ???

Specific Feedback

Do the emerging Lilly pads take away ? This particular image in the burst was selected as the duck’s eye reflects in the water.

Technical Details

Nikon Z8 Nikon 180-600. ISO 720 F6.3 1/1250th

Description

Shot quite a few images as some areas in the swim blocked the bird or were too close together. This had to be shot that day as the Lilly’s were coming up quite high even a few days later.

2

Excellent look at the duck, Andrew-good color and detail. I like the environmental aspect with the vegetation. My only nit would be to dial back on the vignetting.

3

Hi Andrew, I really like this. Love the environmental aspect of the lilies and the framing they provide. Nice, realistic colors on the duck. Bird is well placed in the frame. Well done.

4

Andrew: What a beautiful bird. I love that eye! I think the environment here is a wonderful complement. I kind of agree with @Allen_Brooks regarding the vignetting but I do think it helps to bring even more emphasis to the duck. Nicely done. >=))>

5

Nice job on this Wood Duck, Andrew. What I really like is that you managed to pull off a fine composition with all the lily pad sprouts sticking up. At our local pond, I usually try to look for gaps in the pads, though as the season progresses that becomes pretty difficult.