Better?

Jerry, the work on the water was worth it...it looks spot on perfect to my eye. I like the pose of the central seal and detail looks good. I have the admit, it took a moment's delay for my eye to see the seal coming in on the left as another animal and not part of the rocks. The main seal is very centered and I keep wanting to move him a little to change the comp! I am remembering you came away with lots of images this session, so I assume you experimented a bit.

Regarding commentary and helpful tips, I have a suggestion to make the process work better for you. Remember that NPN galleries are, first and foremost, critique galleries. That means members post with hopes of helpful feedback, maybe some validation for what they did right, and for constructive suggestions. We have noticed that many regulars seem to regard the process as reciprocal, meaning "if you comment on my image, I will be willing to comment on yours." Fair enough, right?? NPN guidelines are on the right side of one of the banners at the top of the page when you are logged in. The guidelines suggest members set a goal of commenting on at least 5 images for each one they post. So l challenge you to (do it while your image is still near the top and receiving first looks) take a few minutes to comment on 10 recently posted wildlife images. Folks will appreciate even a single sentence response. Then watch and see if some of those 10 persons are or are not the ones who comment on your post! Try it.

And keep the seals coming! They are especially suited to gallery analysis as they present the extra difficulties of exposure of dark objects and bright surf, they are composition difficult, they add the challenge of sometimes wet fur, and they are endearing subjects! You are getting some good results and I am looking forward to seeing more.

Great picture! I love the water, the sharpness, and the second seal coming into the frame is awesome!