Blak Swan Repost

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Black Swan (1 of 1).jpg
Black Swan (1 of 1).jpg2628×1752 381 KB

![Black Swan (1 of 3).jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/7/

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

I had to look up geographical info on this bird. It is native to Western Australia with some black swans introduced to various countries as an ornamental bird in the 1800s but has managed to escape and form some stable populations. Evidently there are a just few breeding pairs in the US; Lakeland, Florida and Orange County California were mentioned.
I was absolutely stunned when I saw it moving smoothly and dipping its head foraging across the holding pond at the water district, keeping to itself amid scores of ducks and other waterfowl. Only one other birder was present and had no idea what the large dark thing was. She asked if I knew what it was and I said it had to be a swan, and she “I thought they were white.” My swan list includes just one species from a trip to Washington’s Turnbull NWF and it wasn’t black. The bird “docked” near the shoreline and from close up i shot and watched it do a thorough preening for 15 minutes next to the shoreline. I went on with my walk through a secluded area of Willows and Cottonwoods and arrived back an hour later hoping it would be around and close to shore on quiet water. It was. Maybe a dozen photographers had arrived and were buzzing about the find, but I had a good solo spot and shot many images. I liked these two the best. I hope to post some preening shots in a few days.

Specific Feedback

I softened the water processing on both to with Lr masks and gave a slightly purple hue to one of them as I hoped it might enhance the shot Is it too much? In both cases I thought it would compliment the rich blacks. Does the water look natural and complementary to your eyes or too contrived? I like both of them.

Technical Details

Nikon Z5, Nikon Lens Nikkor lens 200-500,
1st image @210 mm; f10 @1/250ss; ISO 1600;
2nd image @240, f5.6 1/8000ss, ISO 1400, both handheld while sitting on a low stool from and embankment

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:

Black Swan repost (1 of 1)
Black Swan repost (1 of 1)2628×1752 382 KB

Repost

2

Very nice, Stephen. I’m particularly fond of the first one because you have a bit better light on the face. Both of these shots show off that long swan neck beautifully. The only improvement I could see would be if you’d managed to get more light in those red eyes to add that accent point.

While the water has a slightly different look, it doesn’t look at all contrived to me.

3

Wow, what a unique bird, Stephen. Your first shot is awesome. Great neck curve and good light on the bird. You might try dodging the eye a touch to lighten it up more and make it stand out. But that’s just a nit. This is really nice.

4

Hi Stephen, love how you have rendered the black plumage and both poses are intriguing to me. I prefer the first image as well for the better view of the face/eye.

5

Thanks for the input @Dennis_Plank @Allen_Sparks @David_Bostock. Yes the blacks were fun, Allen, I wanted to keep them dark with just a little detail . I’ll see what I can do to open the eye a bit and try a repost if it looks good.