# Am I going in the right direction? **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** birds\ **Created:** [November 25, 2025, 5:06pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861 "2025-11-25T17:06:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2025, 5:06pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/1 "2025-11-25T17:06:45Z")
![DSC_2798_DxO.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/5/b/5b923c52318b82f9bf93ef5fb0eebd45077bf840.jpeg) > **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_ > > The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image. ### Description I photographed this Breat Blue Heron in the back of Rocky Neck State Park. on Oct.24 at 8:30 AM. As you can see, the Blue was in deep shade. Thank you for stopping by. Peter ### Specific Feedback any ### Technical Details Z8, Nikon 180-600mm & 1.4 Ext, f9, 840mm, -.7EV 1/2000, ISO 11K (DeepPrime XD/XD2s), and cropped by 40% in DXOPhotoLab 9 * * * ### Critique Template Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas. Vision and Purpose: Conceptual: Emotional Impact and Mood: Composition: Balance and Visual Weight: Depth and Dimension: Color: Lighting: Processing: Technical: ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_Breitkreuz](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/paul_breitkreuz/32/400_2.png) [@Paul\_Breitkreuz](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Paul_Breitkreuz)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2025, 8:53pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/2 "2025-11-25T20:53:16Z")
Peter, the heron detail is amazing. The amount of leading open space for it’s forward travel is perfect here… 👏 😎 ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Sparks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_sparks/32/63507_2.png) [@Allen\_Sparks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Sparks)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2025, 2:56am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/3 "2025-11-26T02:56:54Z")
HI Peter, love the reflection of the heron and the in stride pose. Nice composition with plenty of room in front. ---
**Author:** ![stephen\_rauch](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/3bc359/32.png) [@stephen\_rauch](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/stephen_rauch)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2025, 4:41am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/4 "2025-11-26T04:41:26Z")
Very nice photograph Peter. The level of detail in the heron and the reflections are exceptional. The composition and framing are nice as well. Wouldn’t change anything. Maybe clean up the few specs in the water in front? ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Brooks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_brooks/32/390_2.png) [@Allen\_Brooks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Brooks)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2025, 5:50pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/5 "2025-11-26T17:50:46Z")
Very good color and detail, Peter, and nice light on the heron. I like the setting and overall composition. I’d be tempted to clone out the bright spot in the water. ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2025, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/6 "2025-11-26T17:51:36Z")
Very well done, Peter. An excellent reflection shot with a great pose and beautiful detail in the heron. There are a few bright spots in the image, particularly that one in the upper left corner that could stand to be either removed or subdued. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Lockhart](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_lockhart/32/16565_2.png) [@Jim\_Lockhart](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Lockhart)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2025, 12:08am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/7 "2025-11-29T00:08:02Z")
Great job on this heron Peter…detail, comp, and lighting all great. I’ve probably seen this guy myself while visiting but the light and conditions just weren’t satisfactory. I’ve seen herons in CT over the Winter so I guess if he has open water he’ll hang around. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2025, 12:43pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/8 "2025-11-29T12:43:14Z")
Comp is fine and I like how you captured the heron in mid-stride. You could easily clone out the two bright spots in the foreground if so desired. I also like the reflection…Jim ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2025, 7:27pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/am-i-going-in-the-right-direction/48861/9 "2025-11-29T19:27:30Z")
Hi Paul, Allen Sparks, Stephen, Allen Brooks, Dennis, Jim Lockhart & Jim Zablotny Thank you for the comments. Here is a repost with the bright spots removed. Peter ![DSC_2798_DxO-1](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/3/9/39307b068434e0140106b2e7d00bc417116f6eee.jpeg)