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
The lighting works well IMHO. The pose is rather static.
Creative direction
Ducklings lead very precarious existences. I think I want to show this duckling resolutely venturing forth into its new world despite the odds being against it.
Specific Feedback
All areas if you like.
Technical Details
Canon R5 MKII, Canon RF 200-800 + RF 1.4X Extender @ 1120mm, f/13 @ 1/1000, ISO 8000. Handheld. Processed in DxO PL 8 and Photoshop. I spotted out all the motes on the water to simplify the composition.
Description
There is a pond very near our home and we check for new hatches several times per week. The water reflects what is behind it. In this case, it was a dark area of trees. We always count the new hatchlings each time to see how they are surviving. This is an urban area but, of course, there are many predators here.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Gorgeous subject and light with wonderful detail! The greens in the ripples give a subliminal hint of the trees and the dark water feels like a mysterious environ. I almost hesitate to suggest anything, but I do wonder about a subtle gradient burn from the left. I love the way the ripples fade away on the right and, although their character isn’t the same, it could be interesting to try for a balance.
Excellent, Fred. The light on the duckling and the water is wonderful and the greens set off the duckling very well. It may be a bit static, but since ducklings are off-the-chart cute, it more than makes up for a bit of action. I like the pano version as well, though I could also see taking a bit off the left to decenter the duckling a bit more. Excellent work.
For me, much better! I’d darken the top- and bottom-most ripples a bit farther in, to give more of a roundness to the whole thing. @Dennis_Plank’s idea is good, too. A little of both?
Oh! This is cute and very well captured and processed.
When I read your opening comments remarking on the vulnerability of the ducklings, I wondered if the duckling would look more vunerable if he/she was “small in frame”, allowing the darkness to creep in. Anyway, just a thought, not a nit.
Love the colouring of the water and the sort of spotlight effect on the subject.
Wonderful!
We have black swans that breed in a very suburban man-made lake close to where I live. Every year they hatch 5-6 babies. In a matter of two weeks, they’re all gone. It’s very sad.
Thank you for the idea. I am limited in the amount of negative area available on this image but I’ll keep your suggestion in mind for the next time I photograph them.
