Shadow Me

I agree a bit more room on top would be nice but this works since they are looking down. Glad you got those neat reflections, and good symmetry between the birds as well. Good job.

The striations of the matching reflections are very nice. You could certainly PS some extra space in at the top very unobtrusively using content fill is PS5.

Interesting and challenging shot, Cheryl. Very nice poses from both birds. The RHS egret really does provide a shadow for the LHS egret. The image does need more room on top. If you don't want to do that you can experiment with snipping some space on the LHS and maybe the RHS too. As is, I think the aspect ratio along with the large space on both sides emphasizes the lack of room on the top. Also, since the shadow bird is not as sharp as the LHS one you could consider lowering exposure on it a little along with brightening the LHS one a little. (After all, a shadow should be darker than the subject too!). These are nit suggestions. The more I look at it the more I like it as posted too.....

I like your eye here Cheryl. The bird in the BG adds a lot IMO. Me, I would take a little off the left and leave it at that.

Thanks for the great suggestions guys

I really like the lighting and the way you've caught these two in tandem on the hunt, and the reflection works very well too Cheryl :^)

This is the sort of image that, if it were mine, I would add to any others I intended adding canvas to once I've learned how to do so; as I really think adding more canvas to the upper and RH edge of the frame would add even more appeal to this image as a whole.

A peaceful scene Cheryl, the blue water against the whites is appealing. I'd prefer a little more room on the top but mostly I agree with Ron B about the comp. I wouldn't worry about decreasing the exposure on the bird in the background because although it suggests being a shadow of the foreground bird it isn't a shadow nor is it in shadow. Sharpness looks good and the colors look very natural.