I missed this when it was posted. It's a nice image. The exposure is correct, focus sharp, and there's some nice feather detail to be found.

The biggest issue I have with this shot, and many, many like it, is the point of view. Without being familar with the location I can only guess but it appears you're standing above the subjects... probablly with your camera on top of a tripod. This is a shot that would improve drastically just by kneeling down to take the shot... getting closer to "birds eye level." Or perhaps even better, bellying down on the ground for the ultimate low angle of view perspective. Many times the difference between nice work by talented amatuers and semi-pros vs the stellar shots taken by top-level pros is that the pros will get dirty, muddy, soaking wet or whatever else it takes to get that low angle of view on subjects that are on the ground/water surface.

The hen is very easily over-looked. Her camo is working really, really well. I kind of like the visual surprise she provides when you finally spot her. The glare on the water somewhat competes for attention with the subjects. A polarizer might have made a little difference here... not that I use them much myself. Compositionally I'd like to see less water beneath the drake. A crop a bit above your watermark would work for me.

It's a nice image and there's a lot to like about it. However if I didn't point out the things I see that I feel might have improved it I wouldn't be doing you any favors since you're looking for a critique. Always remember, all these thoughts are subjective and other viewers may see it much differently.

Last edited by Bob D.; 11/25/11 06:48 PM. Reason: typos/grammer