# Anhinga

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/anhinga/48985>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** birds\
**Created:** [December 7, 2025, 5:23pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/anhinga/48985 "2025-12-07T17:23:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![David\_Schoen](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/david_schoen/32/368_2.png) [@David\_Schoen](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/David_Schoen)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2025, 5:23pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/anhinga/48985/1 "2025-12-07T17:23:07Z")

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![2anhinga copy ps final copy.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/c/1/c1e1ae072917d8eab7bf1f3b56d37e292a6b42a4.jpeg)

> **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_
> 
> The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

### Description

this was taken in Costa Rica on the Tarcoles River, from a moving boat. This anhinga is very hard to photograph because it body length. Being still or sitting still is not a problem. finding a good background is a problem and I was very lucky to have somewhat reasonable light when this image was shot. Minimal processing. I like the background because it’s so different.

### Specific Feedback

anything that would help me as a photographer improve my skills

### Technical Details

iso 1000, 500 plus 1.4, 2000th, f8, Nikon D500, handheld from a moving boat

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### 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:

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**Author:** ![Dean\_Salman](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dean_salman/32/13291_2.png) [@Dean\_Salman](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dean_Salman)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2025, 11:37pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/anhinga/48985/2 "2025-12-07T23:37:17Z")

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Nice capture, David. The composition was nicely framed with the bird looking in the action. The background works well for me. I am thinking that lightening some of the darker areas on the back part of the bird. The lower right corner could use a crop inward from the right to close the gap in the LRC. Nice photo, David.

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**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:** [December 8, 2025, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/anhinga/48985/3 "2025-12-08T15:20:55Z")

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Very cool lighting and background in this image, David. It looks like the head and neck are just a bit soft, but viewed at a respectful distance, I don’t think it would be an issue. I like the perch as well.

A great find and well executed.

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**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:** [December 28, 2025, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/anhinga/48985/4 "2025-12-28T14:36:30Z")

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Hi David  
Waiting for a good background lighting has produced a striking photograph.  
Peter
