Jennifer Marano
July 2025 - WAIT FOR MEEEE…
About the Image(s)
Olympus 1 Mk. 2 camera, ISO 200, f/5.0, 100 mm, 1/125 sec
I saw the mama duck with her babies and took a quick shot of the scene because the lake looked so pretty in the late afternoon light. When I got it on the computer I noticed the little one trying very hard to catch up with Mama and siblings, so it turned from a picture of a lake to the story of the pokey little duckling. I had to crop it a bit to emphasize the duck family, though they are still quite small in the image, but I liked the patterns in the water and how hard the baby was trying. B&W seemed appropriate since there wasn’t much color anyway.
10 comments posted
You have presented us with what I feel is a dark tone image with a very interesting story. I see very dark blacks and grays. I appreciate your willingness to experiment with this process.
At first, my eyes seemed to get trapped by the confusing dark lines at the top. My eyes finally moved down and followed the diagonal lines of the wake left by the movement of the ducks. Even when my eyes moved to the ducks, I saw only the jet-black mother duck. Finally, I saw the lone baby trying to catch up.
This image reminds me of a wood cut print. Very creative. Posted: 07/05/2025 18:31:17
At first, my eyes seemed to get trapped by the confusing dark lines at the top. My eyes finally moved down and followed the diagonal lines of the wake left by the movement of the ducks. Even when my eyes moved to the ducks, I saw only the jet-black mother duck. Finally, I saw the lone baby trying to catch up.
This image reminds me of a wood cut print. Very creative. Posted: 07/05/2025 18:31:17
Thank you Chan, I appreciate your comments. I was worried that all the patterns would make it convfusing, and I guess it did. Thanks for sticking with it until you found the ducks! I like the idea of a wood cut print! Posted: 07/05/2025 19:42:27
The ripples in the water create a mirror-like abstract feel that I find interesting. Agree with Chan - I quickly saw the mother duck - but it took a bit of effort to spot the babies . . . and the distant laggard. In the large scene - I think the babies are too small for the image to have your desired impact. Posted: 07/06/2025 15:11:34
Thanks Steven. I think you are right about the the size of the babies, and perhaps I will stumble upon another scene where I can switch to a larger lens and get a more impactful image. Posted: 07/06/2025 16:56:58
Very nice photo! The composition overall is great with the silhouette ducks and their diagonal movement through the water. I like the contrast of the rippled water and the ducks which the monochrome really brings out. The story line (and title) is excellent. As I looked over the photo I was going to suggest to possibly look into cropping some of the top portion. However, in further study of the image, the vastness of the lake seems to add to the story line. Very nice, thanks for sharing! Posted: 07/06/2025 15:17:30
Thanks for your kind comments, Dale! In spite of its shortcomings, I really like this image and I'm glad you found things about it to like! Posted: 07/06/2025 16:59:23
My first impression was that it was only a geometric image until I studied the image further. I like the BW. I have taken pictures of the ducks and geese on the lake, but they have not had the effect that the BW image gives. The BW emphasizes the geometry in the ripples of the water. Interesting. Another good one. Posted: 07/06/2025 16:54:52
Thanks Cindy! I'm a bit of a sucker for geometric images, and glad that you noticed that aspect of this photo. Posted: 07/06/2025 17:01:39
My first impression was that it was only a geometric image until I studied the image further. I like the BW. I have taken pictures of the ducks and geese on the lake, but they have not had the effect that the BW image gives. The BW emphasizes the geometry in the ripples of the water. Interesting. Another good one. Posted: 07/07/2025 14:36:31
You did a great job seeing the patterns. The image is too busy, though. Some simplification is needed but, as is usually the case, one does not carry the 500mm lens in one's pocket. Good job on the black and white. Posted: 07/08/2025 18:53:03