Golden duck

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Repost based on comments. I must say that the crop from the initial picture cannot go further than this…

_Y6A9110-Enhanced-NR_1920-2
_Y6A9110-Enhanced-NR_1920-21920×1280 2.4 MB

_Y6A9110-Enhanced-NR_1920.jpg
_Y6A9110-Enhanced-NR_1920.jpg1920×1280 2.29 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

This was taken a few months ago at the height of autumn. A yellow coloured tree at the opposite side of the pond was brightly lit by the afternoon sun. I was prepared for bird in flight pictures, as you can gather from the technical details. But when the female duck started to make waves in the middle of the reflection of that tree, I saw another chance.

Specific Feedback

You understood that I like the image. Still, I wonder if I should get rid of the left edge of the picture, which would place the duck right in the middle of it. Or do you see other compositions (crops…) possible?

Technical Details

Canon Canon EOS R6
ƒ/9
1/2500
800 mm
5000 ISO

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
1 Like
2

Hi Xavier
I like the open framing, it’s very playful. The golden reflection in the water and splashing of the duck all work.
Peter

3

I like the way you kept the duck small in the frame, Xavier. That golden water deserves to be the star of the show with the duck acting more as an accent point. Sometimes we get so focused on the subject that we miss opportunities like that. That said, I would be tempted to brighten the duck a little to see how it looks, if you haven’t done so already.

4

I absolutely agree with @Dennis_Plank . Sometimes I don’t see the forest for the trees. This was certainly a grand opportunity to capture a lovely image. I don’t mind the framing but I would certainly consider losing some of the left hand side and perhaps a bit off the top? Just another version of a lovely image.

5

Hi Xavier,

Awesome light here and this is a terrific environmental scene. Lovely Mallard just landed?

Well done.

6

Ooooh, I love that rich gold water Xavier. Beautiful.

7

The golden water makes the photo, as do the water droplets from the landing. I like the original post, as there is more room on the right for the duck to move into. Lovely image.