Birds reflected in water

[koos]

[IMG][/IMG]

When I saw these two birds reflected in the water in the early morning, it looks like it can be a good picture, but the photo seems too busy or something. Is it the unnatural stone stripes in the back?

Camera Sony Alpha DSLR-A350
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 200 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

[AndrewPDX]

For me, reflections generally work best when they do one of two things: A) create a mirror image of the subject or B) create an interesting distortion. The problem I see with this shot is that the reflected image (bottom half) has trees/leaves that you don't see in the top half. It makes for an unbalanced reflection and isn't really a mirror image. Also, the colors seem very muted. Maybe punch up the saturation a bit? Another thing you might try is to crop out the top half and just leave the reflection, then give it a 180 degree flip. The shot is a cool attempt, play around with it and you might get something. Good luck!

[koos]

Yes, that make sense. It is not a balanced reflection. I will remember that next time. Thank you for your feedback!