Before the storm

That looks terrific to me, the two birds add the finishing touch to the print. You have managed to retain detail throughout the photo, I would never take this to be the work of a beginner.

The print looks great. I love the reflection in the water and the birds. Well done.

This has a very 19th century feel to it, even though the moored boats are modern. Funny, before reading your description I thought to myself how beautifully it was composed and then how expertly it was printed, immediately checking your Paper & Developer entry to confirm an actual print and not a scan.

I think one of the hallmarks of fine printing is that one notices the subject before noticing it. It succeeds best when it works to augment the subject, while never calling attention directly to itself. I believe this print achieves that.

Were this mine, my only suggestion would relate to the left-hand vertical border. The right-hand border is strongly rendered. But the left-hand border is much weaker. I might have worked to better balance the two. I see harmony and serenity in this photograph. The additional symmetry of balancing the two edges might help strengthen that. But that's just my take...

Nice. And the birds, which are usually a distraction, area nice touch.

Gentlemen, you are too kind to me. I consider myself a beginner because I started printing a few months ago and I still have trouble finding the correct exposure and choosing the right contrast filter. I will try to make a 11x14 tonight with a stronger left border, as per Ken's suggestion. Thanks to everyone for your comments!

You did a very good job on both the foreground and the sky. Combined with the composition this is an outstanding print! Keep it up and please keep posting

Great sky and the birds are a nice touch!