The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Captured on a recent trip to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. There are so many varieties of Bee-Eaters in Central Africa, but I think this Blue-Breasted Bee-Eater is especially beautiful with the iridescent blue above its eye.
Specific Feedback
Looking for general feedback and initial reactions. Do you like the background? The composition? The fluffy feathers? Thank you!
Technical Details
Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
1/640 sec. at f/5.0, ISO 200, 560mm
Topaz Photo AI and Lightroom Classic
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:
I LOVE the BG! And the subject, too, with its fluffy feathers! And the composition!
If I were to get nitpicky, the stalk hanging down just behind him is not adding anything, but if you’re not into removing things, it certainly isn’t a big deal. Same for the tiny triangle of a reed in the UR corner. As far as processing, the bird feels a bit oversharpened, and the right eye is a bit lost in the shadows. It might be possible to bring it out without it looking obvious. But those are small points for an overall wonderful image with great lighting!
The composition works well for me, Christine, and I love the background. In addition to that dangling down grass stem the one coming up from the bottom and the straight stub coming in from the right could go, if you’re into that sort of thing. I’m not finding the bird very oversharpened. Some birds just have plumage that shows the texture well.
On my continuing rant over the old naturalists that named the birds, I don’t see a speck of blue on that breast!
Beautiful image, Christine. The colors are great, as is the detail. I like the overall composition and background and the bird is nicely framed by the reeds. I could see removing the stalks below the bird.
Really nice Christine. A real beauty you have captured extremely well. Love all the colors on the bird and the red eye to boot. Well rendered. I could see taking out the vertical reed coming down behind the bird.
