The Duck Pond

I went to the duck pond to try out my Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 w/2xTC. Here are a few pics.
Mike

Hi Mike,

I appreciate the reach of that Sigma lens. These photographs are able to take some sharpening and with a small contrast curve the pictures really pop.

Keep up the good work. Maybe consider allowing more space around the bird will create a milieu for the composition. So, for example, one can get the entire reflection of the bird in the water. The idea of cropping close is something which I consider is one of the easiest way of destroying a shot. I personally try to grab more of the surrounding world. My angle and position excludes what for sure I don't want, but otherwise I like generous framing so that we can recognize extra wonderful features at the time of editing.

Asher

I agree with Asher's comments. Even though I know I'll be losing some pixels, I also frame my shot less tightly than I would otherwise, to give me more flexibility in cropping when post-processing. One general rule of thumb is to leave more room in front of the bird in the direction it is swimming or flying. This creates a more dynamic feel than one where it is perfectly centered in the frame. Sometimes this rule can be broken to good effect, like all other rules, but it's something to keep in mind when you're shooting.

Thanks for the shots!