Lets Feed the Ducks, Dad!by
dtremainComment by KaDi: Greetings from the Critique Club!
Color certainly makes the loudest statement in this image. It's kind of fun to see the jarring pink and red combination. But if the color is taken away what's left? A man with two little girls doing something that isn't quite clear.
The title tells me there are ducks...but I only see bits and pieces of ducks. I think they need to be included in the image, especially because that's what the people in the image are engaged with.
The part that is in focus appears to be some sort of pier structure in the background. Attention is withdrawn from subjects that are not in focus...and especially by something as contrasty as that background structure.
You mention that you didn't care for the green water. In that case Black and White conversion might have solved the problem. Or selective desaturation. But I find the pink color cast on the pavement more "off" than green water. I think making sure that you've got your white balance correct, whether in camera with the appropriate WB mode selected when shooting or after the fact in post-processing, can improve the way an image is received.
It appears that this event would have continued for more than a fleeting moment. In that case taking more shots to capture the faces and expressions can give you more to choose from later on.
Overall, this feels like a poorly planned image. Sorry if that sounds harsh but it seems that a little more care in the taking and a bit more mastery of the equipment will improve this type of shot for you.
Keep shooting and good luck!
Photographer found comment helpful.
