Hi Jim, I absolutely love this "Canadian Family" picture! It is such a warm and inspiring shot-seeing both parents protecting their little ones is very moving.
The composition is wonderful. I love how those ferns in the foreground frame the entire scene; it really adds depth and makes the viewer feel like they are quietly observing from the shore. The scenery and those soft horizon lines are beautiful, and the overall mood is so warm and cozy. It's a very emotional and tranquil piece of work.
Beautifully captured!   Posted: 04/01/2026 18:04:25

Jim,
This is beautiful as always! I love the fog in the background the and the plants in the foreground. I also like the reflections in the water. The only thing I make have done differently is to crop off some of the left so the geese have more room to swim. I tried that, and ended up doing a bit more. Not sure I like my crop better, but since I did it I'll share.   Posted: 04/01/2026 23:32:11

Hi Jim,

Your photo is a treat!

My only comment is that I was distracted by the foliage at the far left and while I tried to erase it, the better option, IHMO, was a tighter crop.

It's a really pleasing image and tells a lovely story!   Posted: 04/04/2026 11:11:00

Jim, first of all, thank you so much for this atmospheric picture. I can almost see the parents paddling along with their goslings; it could almost be a Sunday morning outing. The little ones swim protected between their father and mother, wonderful light on their heads and reflections in the water.
I really like your composition; the foreground, middle ground, and background are all there and each fulfill a different purpose.
You did a great job with the lower frame of the goose family. The reeds don't bother me because of the blur. The distance of the geese to the edge of the frame is consistent, and I find harmony, peace, and balance here. The mist is visible, and I can guess what time of day it is.

I've been thinking about what I would change. As I said, it's just a suggestion and doesn't necessarily have to meet with your approval. That's okay.
I worked with your final image. First, I set a black point in the tonal correction and then slightly reduced the overall tonal values.
I adopted your idea of ??a vignette and intensified it. That also solves the problem with the tree trunk in the upper left.

Perhaps you'll like my edit. I'm curious.   Posted: 04/09/2026 10:57:44

Jim, Love the Canadian Family with the kids falling in line. The fog and reflections give the image a calming effect and water lines add movement. The foreground weeds and background trees frame the family nicely. I was so drawn to the geese that I really didn't notice the tree in the upper left that you mention. Maybe you can darken it some.

Your editing choices add a warmness to the image.

  Posted: 04/11/2026 22:55:52

Jim, I think you have cropped out the best part of the overall image quite well. I like the composition of the photo and think the grass in the foreground frame the geese nicely. I did not notice the tree in the upper left hand corner initially, but now I cannot unsee it. My suggestion for it would be to darken the tree slightly with a dodge/burn tool and maybe darken the vignette a little bit.

I like the more muted colors of this image which, to me, help create a peaceful scene. Well done.   Posted: 04/17/2026 16:13:25