The Ugly Duckling ...

The theme this week for those involved with The Sunday Challenge was back-lighting, which sounded so simple and yet a combination of poor weather, few suitable subjects catching my eye and life getting in the way has meant that I've struggled somewhat.

In the end I've elected to use this shot, which was really just a quick snap I took when I went up to Middlesbrough with the intention of shooting the Bottle of Notes, a large piece of public art that can be found in the centre of the town.

However, the sun wasn't really in the ideal spot at that particular time of day to get the shot I wanted, but I did spot this rather 'ugly duckling' swimming all alone in the pond adjacent to where the sculpture sits.

I liked how the sun which was directly ahead of me, but which was obviously coming from behind the bird meant that only the edge of its back was catching the light. The rest of the bird and most of the plants in the embankment behind were as you can see in shade.

Ideally, I would have liked the exposure to have been slightly better and I dare say I could have got the focus sharper too, but overall I like how what was a hasty snap has turned out.

So ... ugly duckling, what do you have to say for yourself?

Not a quack, not a quack, not a waddle or a quack
But a glide and a whistle and a snowy white back
And a head so noble and high
Say who’s an ugly duckling?
Not I!
Not I!