Fundamentally Boring Photo

[Lava Lamp]

I've never shot mallards before. They are so common it is hard to get excited about them. I kinda find this photo whimsical, though. I final figured it out that the one of the right seems to be smiling. Does it work for anyone else?

D70 and Nikon 180mm 2.8 AF, cropped and sharpened.

[barmy101]

Yeah. It's not the typical mallard shot so it works for me. I like the background.

[mjm]

i like the background however the ducks don't do it for me. the left side of the left duck is rather dark, a little dodging in PS could clean that up.

[maryb]

i like the background however the ducks don't do it for me. the left side of the left duck is rather dark, a little dodging in PS could clean that up.

Quick question from a fairly "photography-illiterate" person ... what is "dodging"? (Is there an area where I can easily find terms like that defined?)

Thank You --- I am thouroughly enjoying learning as I browse! (oh yeah, I think the photo is great!)
Mary

[gahspidy]

I like this. It seems like being able to see the same duck shadowed and than highlighted. This is a fun type looking shoot that seems to work well for me, anyway. Unusual in a good way

[darkrainfall]

I like this a lot actually... it is very whimsical and while ducks are featured in a lot of photos, this particular framing of them is very interesting. I like the blurred blue background a lot, it really emphasizes the colors in the ducks and makes the blue on the one duck stand out. This really is a fun shot.

[ACArmstrong]

I like this one a lot. It's as if the two birds have just had a fight and are turning their backs to one another with a "Harumph....I'm not talking to you." And, as you say - the smiling duck adds even more to the idea.

Great shot.