The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
On Jekyll Is… I am new at taking wildlife images especially in harsh environment… So I saw this guy on a trail and shot some images. This time with a touch of color. I hope he is happy. There is a real art form and challenge to shoot under these conditions. I am sure there are photographers here on the NPN that really know how to really work this and make great images. But learning is part of the journey. Beautiful Bird in this real rough environment … Nature is not perfect !!!
Specific Feedback
Color and harsh B&W tone ( slight brown) in this image. This pretty much how this looks where he lives. All suggestions are welcomed. This image could go many ways. New style of photography for me.
Technical Details
ISO 800 Shutter 500 f14 edit in Photoshop
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi Gill, I like the pose of the egret in this image and the selective color adds interest. The egret seems soft. I think focus may have hit on the branch coming in from the left. Agree that you had harsh lighting to deal with and cluttered surroundings. The bird shows up fairly well in these surroundings but is still competing strongly with the bright areas on the log beneath and other structure to the right.
It was a hard shoot for sure. The softness is my shutter speed technique. Not fast enough in holding my camera. With a long zoom. …. My right arm was in an accident last year. Surgery and 7 months therapy. I noticed some issues hand held camera shots. But I was determined to shoot this guy who lives in this muddy blown out wooded area. I’m new at wildlife photography. If you look at my images I kinda do everyday objects and walks.
You’ve captured a great contrast between the lovely egret and its rather harsh and gritty surroundings.
The bird seems a little smoodgy. I reckon the image would improve a little with a different crop. Certainly, for me, the bottom doesn’t do the image any favours and perhaps most of it, up to the little raft of sticks could go. There seems to be a rather heavy vignette that I would be tempted to lighten, and a bit of pruning of that distracting branch on the left would let the image flow.
Thanks for the feedback. To shoot with faster shutter speed would have helped. Pushed my lens hard and hard to hold camera. But I gave it a go. I’m new at wildlife photography. All comments are welcomed. I’ll probably edit again for my book. Thanks again
Gil, I am certainly no expert, so take this with a grain of salt!
I never shoot wildlife with an aperture of f14. I always shoot wide open at f6.3 for the 600mm lens. I always aim for the eye, no matter what. If the eye is sharp, the rest of the bird/critter will fall into place…the way my eyes see it.
Shooting at a faster shutter speed is always good…if you focus on the target.
I totally agree. I am trying to use f7.1 more and more. Shutter 640. I practice on this duck swimming the other day. But in all honest. Leave the wildlife to the experts. My best photography is probably macro. I love shooting instruments and things in my daily life.
But have fun and be a part of the World Photography Community.
Take my images and music and put them together. I have image video on YouTube. And do my books. Thanks for your information and all suggestions are welcome.
