The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
We were in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest trekking and searching for mountain gorillas. The first day we were deep in the forest but the second day we were in an area with much more open terrain. After a bit of a searching and sweating we came upon a family feeding just out of the forest in an open hillside. The silverback was not initially present but soon emerged out of the trees. He was very relaxed and seemingly ignored us the entire time. We were able to enjoy our allotted hour in close proximity and greatly enjoyed just watching the family.
Feedback Requested
I would appreciate any comments on the overall composition and the feel of the photo. Any additional thoughts and tips regarding framing, color and lighting is also appreciated.
Oh what a privilege to watch these amazing primates. I’ve only ever seen them in zoos, so can’t even imagine the goosebumps!
I had a go in Ps (down and dirty edit) to give him the presence I think he needs. You can of course ignore me or do a better job if you’d like. He’s so powerful and handsome. I like the pose and how he’s moving from one place to another like the guardian he is.
Kristen, thank you so much! I appreciate your thoughts and recommendations. I especially appreciate you showing me your layer stack. I am definitely a novice when it comes to editing and processing my photos .
That has to be a bucket-list moment to be that close to a Silverback and take a photograph that captures such a sad look. The eyes are downcast, and that is why I would stay with your softer-looking post.
What a moment this must have been. He really is quite something.
Kris has pretty much the same idea as I was thinking. I tried a slight crop from the top and left hand side. Of course, that took away some of the jungle feel, but it gave the gorilla greater presence. I desaturated the greens just a little. Kris has added a gradient to the same area. The eyes were something I looked at as well, but as Peter mentioned, the eyes are downcast. Glad to see him so relaxed!
That crop strengthens the composition perfectly. Dslr’s nearly always create greens that are richer than what we actually see, so the desaturation of the greens gives the image a more natural feel to it. Pose is fantastic and that is one powerful animal. Well done…Jim
