My duck

[JKJD]

Over saturated? Other thoughts and comments are always welcome as well.



Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/4.8
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

[CaptainNH]

Not oversaturated at all, very natural. I think the shot is well focussed and exposed too.

Nice work!

[Jatala]

JKJD, great Duck! They are always challenging to cap.

[PrimeTime]

[QUOTE=JKJD;772050]Over saturated? Other thoughts and comments are always welcome as well.

You have a really nice shot there, but personally i think the contrast, saturation, and black levels are way overdone. Even though you have good light on the eye, it is pure black. There is a large black patch on the head, the feathers are orange instead of a tanish color, and the dark brown feathers are pushing towards black. Looks totally unatural to me.

Moving the duck to the background and showing off that beautiful reflection in the water, will strengthen the composition.

[JKJD]

Better? Not sure I like this version as much. Might have to play with it some more.

[mpf777]

Personally I like this second one better. You have given the duck more space in the frame and I prefer this less contrasty feel.

Mike

[PrimeTime]

[QUOTE=JKJD;772898]Better? Not sure I like this version as much. Might have to play with it some more.

I think it looks much better, but it still looks like the saturation or WB is boosted. Was that duck REALLY that orange? Accurate colors are very important in wildlife photos.

There is nothing wrong with enhancing the image, just be careful not to go overboard. Using layers and masks and selectively editing will help. ( Instead of adding contrast to the whole image, just add it to the places that need it. Same goes for all edits. ) Only add to the places that need something. When your done, you can adjust each layer with the opacity slider to get the effect you like.

[wal]

Like the second one better.. more natural look.. and "primetime" is right.. keep the natural colors as accurate as possible in wildlife is much more pleasing.

[torqueguru]

Of course the second one is better! Its more balanced in terms of composition, color and appeal. Good job!
Cheers,
Mukul.