Photographer: Xing Du
Photo taken: Juanita Bay, Kirkland
Photographer's description: “This few-days-old duckling walked carefully down the slippery rock to join his mom and siblings on the water.”
Expert says: “This photo is, firstly, adorable. It also has some great photographic elements. I’m so happy when I see photographers get down at the subject’s level like this. Even though the photographer used a 400-mm lens, it was on that same plane, which gives a great perspective on this little ducky. Great use of the rule of thirds with the sloping rock, and the tack-sharp focus on the water drops and its little ducky feet makes this a great nature photo.”
-- Katie Greene, Seattle Times photo staff