>>4293444The tone of your images and technical aspects are perfectly fine.
Individually left is a better picture, but I wouldn't say either are really that good on their own. They're kind of snapshotty, and I have an issue with the height/angle of the photograph. Often times an image can be improved by changing the angle/height to at least something that isn't just standing there and pointing down at the subject. If you got lower it would create a more intimate feel almost like you were one of the ducks, which would work better in this situation, I think. Shooting from higher above would create a greater feel of an observer watching down on the subject, but you would need a ladder, so that's sort of out of the question.
Pictures with only water as the background can be really cool, but your composition must be on point for it to not seem boring, or bland.
The two pictures together really show how multiple images can create something greater than the individual parts. I really like that the two together tell a sort of story, and maybe even a political statement of sorts?
Overall I think the idea is workable, but a better composition will improve the artistic and storytelling aspects.
>>4294413First off the tone of your image is a little flat, and faded looking. Maybe try boosting the contrast to get rid of some of the haze.
Good leading lines, and the buildings/setting is nice enough. I think the people make the image feel cluttered, and take away from the style that could be achieved with a picture like this. I don't think that using color film added anything to this image, and the traffic cone and workers bright orange distracts from your main subject.
Consider taking a similar shot with a business man walking towards you, and if possible try taking the picture later in the evening. The lower sun may create shadows that could play favorably towards your composition.
