Does this work?

Does this composition work?

I've been sitting in a blind at daybreak (for an hour before I head to work) for the past 5 days, trying to get shots of various duck species that spend a couple of weeks in the area before continuing north.

When the light is terrible, they come in nice and close. When the light is great they keep their distance. Frustrating. The scene was just so lovely this morning, I took some long distance shots of some Ringneck ducks just for fun.

[mpwild]

It not only works, it's spectacular lighting !

[k100d]

i like the photo but maybe you can tone down the saturation a bit, the redness is a bit overwhelming
there must be so many photo opportunities in the 1000 islands

[daacon]

I like it Tom, the red works for me. I might crop a bit off the top - but the composition and 'duck placement' really works.

[Peter Zack]

It is a great shot Tom and since you asked I'd agree with K100D Tone down the reds a bit and I think you have a better shot. I hope you don't mind but I did this but reducing the red channel about 10% using levels. I think it still kept the warmth of the morning light.

[reknelb]

Nice work Tom. I know exactly what you're talking about, I've been trying to get some close-ups of Shovelers. I just cant get close enough for some quality shots. There are a ton of Ringnecks in the area here as well. We're not too far away from each other. Keep 'em coming.

[rmtagg]

Very nice work! Enjoyed viewing the pic

[mtnbearhug]

Nice Shot Tom... The sharpness of the ducks is really nice.... I agree with there being a little to much red..

Peter, I love it!!!! you enhanced an already great photo.. !!! Perfect!!

Kim

[SCGushue]

Tom,

I really envy your ability to get up that early (gotta figure out how to do that myself).

I really do like the colors of this image but find that the red out of focus bush just overpowers the subject and balance of the image. I just did a crop that captures the mood without the distractions.

Stephen

[kent vinyard]

Tom,
The early bird gets the worm or in this case a really nice shot. I think it works just great. The colors really reach out and grab you.

[channeler]

Great composition and colours Tom. I agree with what some other people have said re cropping upper part.

Paul

[gawan]

Great shot with wonderful colours, nothing wrong with composition, the background could have bee even blurrier to contrast more with sharp birds. I like also Stephen's suggestion, it's more peaceful but maybe lacks the interesting parts.