AND the splendid shadow of that long neck, Ric! WOW. That's very nice.

ric: I was a little concerned about the shadow of the neck, but after darkening it down, it didnt bother me s much, thanks Ginnie.

I like the shadow of the neck, but the whole thing is a little dark, isn't it? I posted some swans today too.

ric: As you are asking me Ian, no, i dont think it is too dark. It is the effect that I was after and it shows the plumage. As i now calibrate with very expensive gear, i think i can trust my monitor to be showing the correct brightness too, so it isnt down to that.
At the end of the day it appeals to me, but can understand some not liking the light. It is only natural and i dont mind others saying as such, we are all entitled to our opinions, and i listen to them all.
At the end of the day though, who do you please, yourself or others ? Thank you for your view though, I always find them interesting and will always look over a photo with the possibility of changing it if i agree. Dont think i am offended by the lengthy reply either, I'm not, But we can all have a discussion to portray our views cant we ? The only danger is, the attitude of the typeist can be misconcieved by the reader, so i finish by saying thank you for the comment, i like it when people say their views

THIS is good, I made it a likey again, love the shadow and the water, you are very good....love it

ric: Thank you, i dont think it is appreciated in this site though, either that or its just that people only look at those that comment on their photos. Good job i am not bothered by lack of comments though otherwise my website i am building would never see the light of day as it wont have comment features LOL.

Is this night photography? The reflection on the neck and of the neck seems to indicate that.

As you would know I like experimenting myself. When someone else does I normally read the EXIF and some info is missing from yours. I like to know what you are experimenting and how.

Anyhow - great picture.

ric: Thank you. No louis, it is from the middle of the day, that is why the reflection is very strong. If you pm me i will be more than happy to tell you what tools i use to create my images.

I thought that I had commented an image to similiar to this, Ric! However, I will say to you that I like, like the other images of your blog, that air of mystery that surrounds the photos. Also use the Photomatix you? If he is thus, you very suitably use the curves of the tones!

ric: Thank you Jose-Angel. No i do not use photomatix ( not on any photos in my archive so far anyway. All done by hand in photoshop.

Great work.

ric: Thank you.

well Ric I like the dark look, and I see what you mean about it bringing out the plumage, shame about that bloody shadow from the neck though