The Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) continue to make migratory stops at Huntley Meadows Park, the local marshland in which I have been taking a lot of photos recently and I have been able to observe them closely. I am always struck by their beautifully expressive eyes, which seem to reflect an inner gentleness.
The old proverb says that the eyes of the mirror of the soul. I have been told from the outset that I should always strive to have the eyes in focus when I am photographing people and animals. As far as I can tell, that’s one of the few rules of photography that is almost never broken.
How often do you make eye contact with other people? I am amazed at how infrequently people acknowledge the presence of others by looking into their eyes. It was one of the biggest adjustments I had to make when I left military service, in which you saluted and greeted everyone in uniform that you passed. So often people pass each other without any visual signal that they recognize the presence of other sentient being. Needless to say, I am not a fan of wearing headphones in public.
People may think that you are a little strange, but I encourage you to look others in the eye and smile and greet them—it’s amazing how their attitude and expressions change.
Profile of a Canada Goose
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I agree.
All true but the goose really needs to clean up its face before going in public!! Nice photo.
It he were a cat, I’m sure he’d remove the debris with his tongue, but I don’t think geese have tongues. I guess he’d have to dunk his head in the water and swirl it around vigorously!
It looks like it’s trying to stay invisible.