The eye-catching colors dominate this photo. If not for the duck in the scene, this photo would be an abstract.

Wood duck surrounded by reflected color on a pond.

There’s a contrast between the rich, dark colors on the duck and the pastels surrounding it. The colors of the duck are pristine and delineated, while the colors reflected onto the pond run together to create a watery blur. And then there’s the texture …. Imagine this scene with flat water. Not so good. Right? The texture created by the ripples in the water adds a rich layer that makes this photo compelling.

Color, Simplicity, and Negative Space

As you know from many of my posts, my mantra is ‘keep it simple’. Although this photo is full of colors, it’s still a simple scene. The wood duck is the focus in a large negative space. After the first blast of color upon seeing this photo, your eye moves to the duck. Even the lines created by the reflected colors and the ripple in the water, point toward him.

Want to keep sharp?
Get our newsletter
for hot tips and
presenting encouragement.

Want to keep sharp?

Get our newsletter

for hot tips and

presenting encouragement.

Keep up to date with our FREE monthly newsletter.

You have Successfully Subscribed!