The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is a photo of a snowy egret I took while photographing sandhill cranes at the Pacific Flyway near Thornton/Lodi, California, in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The reflection immediately caught my eye; it was only later, when reviewing the photos on my computer, that I noticed the ripple around the egret and the lines in the water behind the bird.
Specific Feedback
Is the crop too tight, specifically at the bottom? Does that bit of debris on the right (in the water) bother you? I didn’t crop it out because I didn’t want to lose the water ripples. There are also some vertical lines from the top (shadows) I can probably try to fix.
Technical Details
Nikon Z6 III
Nikon Z 100mm-400mm lens, with the Nikon Z 1.4 teleconverter
SS 1/1600
F8
ISO 800
Edited in On1 Photo Raw 2025
Richard: This is just flat out beautiful. The rippling of the water brings the attention to the bird so well. Making the stuff on the right edge go away as well as the smudge (?) in the URC would elevate this to a 10+. Well done. >=))>
Beautiful image Richard. The soft colors and light set the bird off well and the ripples add a nice touch. There seems to be some haloing around the bird when I view it large. I think taking out the debris and other lines as you suggest would be an improvement.
Beautiful setting and egret, Richard. I love the ripples and the complementary colors in the water. I am seeing some fringing all around the bird and particularly in the soft plumes near the rear from your processing (looks like you brought exposure up on the bird and caught some of the background). If you use PS or LR, I’d recommend trying the Object selection tool as I’ve found it works much better than subject selection on fine detail. And, yes, I think I’d remove the debris. The general feel of this image is so peaceful and serene and those are jarring notes in the composition.
Beautiful scene! I don’t know On1, but if there isn’t a removal tool, I think it would still be a fine composition to crop from the right to remove the stuff. Adding a bit more to the bottom would be good too, and removing the dark area coming out of the head to the top of the frame. I’d definitely redo to avoid the halo and possibly bring a bit more contrast to the bird. Well worth more playing!
I really like the bird, colors and reflection. I think the crop is fine. My only nits would be to try to eliminate the halo and the horizontal lines on the right side, as they are somewhat distracting. Overall, a very nice shot!
This is a lovely image, Richard. The colors, the softness of the water, and the pose are great. If there is room on the left, I’d add that and crop from the right to remove the debris and give the egret a bit more room to move into. I agree with your thoughts on removing the shadows at the top, especially the “V” in the RUC.
Hi Richard
I love the overall image. Allen & Dennis are correct about the fringing around the Egret. If this were my photo, I would look at moving the Egret off-center. Either open up the right side to include more of the ripples, letting the Egret walk off the frame. Or crop the right side and have the Egrit entering the frame with the ripples pushing forward. Nice work.
Peter
Very nice lighting with an excellent reflection. The halos or fringing is an easy fix and reduce the cyan cast in the shadows will strengthen the comp. I would also reduce the vignetting which I believe is not necessary for this type of comp. Other than those suggested edits, a fine capture for sure!..Jim.
Thank you all for your wonderful (and useful) feedback. I think this one will be printed and hung on a wall at some point, so your expertise is certainly appreciated.
