I think that this is one of those pictures that does a lot better with more pixels than DPC allows. The swan is a bit hard to see clearly (maybe a little over-exposure would help). One way would be to crop. Remove the left 1.5.cm and something similar on the bottom.
I didn't vote on this but it smells like an 8 from me. Very subtle and tastefull image. And...don't be dissapointed, you will quick learn the DPCers preferences, but don't let that alter your style and your eye!
it took me a few minutes to realize that the white thing was a sleeping swan. it registered as a white thing for a while in my eye. like the yellow object's reflection as a contrast.
Yes, it's obviously a reflection, and yes, there's this lovely closeup "something" contrasting on the reflecting surface. But what is it? And what's the reference?
Did this wind up in the wrong challenge?