Nice set of shots, Kyle. In the closeup shot your processing doesn't do the shot justice. Moving your black point to the right a bit, recovering highlights, and a bit of judicious sharpening would bring out some awesome detail.
The first shot would be much improved if you could make the eye more visible.
#1 is great but with the eyes not too emphasized for clarity...
# 2 I was worrying needlessly about their eyes then I realized I didn't read your comment before the shot...my fault.
I love the expression of #4 Squirrel...and #5 he seems to be asking you to please, please give him a treat instead of taking a shot at him...(pun intended).
Hi Kyle, nice set, particularly the squirrels. I agree with Dan, a bit of PP wold lift these even further.
Nice series, especially the squirrels.
Thanks for the comments Dan, Isabel, John and John.
I'll look at reworking 1 and 3 tonight. I think 3 is one of my better ones but I can get lazy in pp and just forget sharpening. I also haven't really picked up an eye or when a photo does or doesn't need it.
I found 1 to be challenging since (male) Mallards are 2 completely different colours. If I expose for the dark green the white is shot, and the other way around leaves out detail on their heads like I have it now. I'm not too good at editing spot details in LR but I'll give it a go.
I've got more duck and squirrel shots coming which I think are better than these.
And yes, the Squirrel was begging for food. He kept running close to us, realizing he was too close so he'd run away. A minute later he'd be back pleading for food (which we didn't have).
I absolutely adore #5. Absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful detail, adorable moment and I love the way the background just fades away.
Great shots Kyle ,I agree with the others about PP
You've done it again with the squirrel. You seem to have an affinity with them. Explore.