Ducks in a row (C&C Please)

[benlonghair]

Or in flight.

I've been away from the forum for a couple weeks and have a couple shots I'd like C&C on.

These were shot at a local park. I was driving by and saw a tree with yellow leaves back-lit. I thought it'd be a pretty good shot. It didn't come out like I'd hoped, but the ducks in the river came out OK.

Your opinions are appreciated.

EXIF


I'm kinda disappointed by the rock and leaf directly over the duck's head. I couldn't easily clone it out. I'm gonna make another attempt at some point.

EXIF

 

[Inst!nct]

i might be the only one with this opinion but i feel like both shots were snapshots..

 

[WimFoto]

1 would be better if you would have taken a lower shot instead of standing and just shooting. i think you have the right idea about going out and try again.

 

[a.rodgers]

i think getting closer to the subject would make this a better shot

 

[benlonghair]

i think getting closer to the subject would make this a better shot

I had about 75' of very cold looking water between me and the ducks... sooooo.....

 

[Inst!nct]

Considering the situation you did the best you could, things i feel like you could improve (on my amateur opinion) is this:

Get a lower angle
PP the photos for better colors
PP the photos for less distraction
Take photo in high resolution (unless you already did) and crop it
Lower your aperture so you can focus on the birds more​

 

[syphlix]

i think you already know what's wrong w/ these...

 

[inkybutton]

Using a polariser might also help. I find the reflections on the lake pretty distracting. Faster shutter speed may help for the second one too. Other than that you seemed to have done the best you can with these.