Another Barnegat Harlequin duck - comp question

Posted by Wil Hershberger on Tue Jan 13, 2004 6:56 pm

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©Wil Hershberger 2004 All rights reserved
This was taken on Saturday when there was a small flock of Harlequins that just didn't want to separate. This nice looking male finally swam out a ways and I got this shot.
My question is, does this composition work? I like it as it portrays the small bird in a large ocean feeling. Some aren't to keen on it. I would like your opinions. Thanks.
EOS 1Ds, Shutter speed: 1/640 sec
Aperture: 11.0
Exposure mode: Manual sunny 16 and -2/3Ev
Flash: On at -1.7 Ev
Metering mode: Center-weighted average
ISO: 200
Focal length: 700.0mm
Comments welcome,

[url=http://www.cricketman.blogspot.com][b]Wil Hershberger[/b][/url] | [b]NSN0025[/b]
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by Alan Melle on Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:00 pm

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Nice catch of the duck! If it were mine I'd probably crop most of the top off to a horizontal image. Wish I had a Harlequin!

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by Marc Oliver on Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:22 pm

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I'm not too keen on the dark swell near the top, but rest I would keep. This could work very well with text and since its from a 1Ds there should be the possibility of trying different crops.

cheers, Oliver

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by Greg Downing on Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:40 pm

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I like the crop as is! I think it's creative and different. The rule of thirds works well here. Very cute and glad you were able to make it!

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by Wil Hershberger on Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:48 pm

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Here is a horizontal crop. It doesn't quite convey the same mood but let's hear what you think.
Thanks for the input.

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by Ken Newcombe on Tue Jan 13, 2004 8:33 pm

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I prefer the tighter crop Will, a lower shooting angle if possible would help. The pose is fine and exposure is correct.

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by Alan Murphy on Tue Jan 13, 2004 8:44 pm

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Wil, the second image is stronger although the first one is different. Taking more off the top would make it even stronger.

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by E.J. Peiker on Tue Jan 13, 2004 9:17 pm

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I like the first one because its different - I've got dozens of shots like the horizontal crop but nothing like the vertical that conveys the vastness of the ocean.

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by Bill Ruppel on Tue Jan 13, 2004 9:50 pm

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Wil,
I prefer the horizontal. I think the angle is acceptable, however, a higher tide might have brought him up to almost eye level. The next time I go down I'm going to try and work the tides.

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by Bill Whala on Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:08 pm

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I personally like the original image best. The small duck in the vast ocean is portrayed very well.

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by LHays on Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:57 pm

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Wil
They are both gorgeous. I agree with Alan on the crops. Look at it this way....you have a 2 for 1 with this shot. Excellent!

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by BrianS on Tue Jan 13, 2004 11:11 pm

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Looking at both crops I'd vote on the first. Well done conveying the ocean and its size.

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by Harvey Edelman on Tue Jan 13, 2004 11:18 pm

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My suggestion was going to be a significant crop at the top. I see that you've already taken care of that. the repost IMO has a lot more impact.

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by Wayne Nicholas on Wed Jan 14, 2004 12:19 am

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I have to say that I like the first image of the two better due to its original nature.

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by Safariguy on Wed Jan 14, 2004 1:30 am

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make mine an orginal ....

well done in either case....

Cheers,

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by Bruce DiVaccaro on Wed Jan 14, 2004 6:31 am

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Wil,

I like your idea on the first image with the vertical format. Maybe just a little off of the top.

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by Neil Solomon on Wed Jan 14, 2004 10:56 am

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I would vote for the first post. I like to see something different. But, like Lana said, you got 2 for 1.

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by Laura Stiefel on Wed Jan 14, 2004 9:40 pm

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I like the original as well. I especially like the wave movement it conveys!

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by Carol Clarke on Thu Jan 15, 2004 6:39 am

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Both crops work well Wil, but I especially like the first one which shows the duck in the vastness of the sea - hence his rather tentative expression!!

Great shot with perfect exposure, it really shows the colours and detail well.

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