The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
I like the milkweed pods the bluebird is sitting on top of. I think the cross in front of the bird is amazing and the dangling ball like stem does not bother me.
Crop off the bottom pods ??
Creative direction
I was looking to capture a bluebird in the early morning light. They are one of my favorite local birds
Specific Feedback
Cropping ideas or good as posted.
I did not make the head brighter as I wanted it to look like it was as I saw it . Great side light we all try to get but rarely find with a subject we want.
Technical Details
Nikon Z8 with Nikon 180-600. 1/2000 F8 at ISO 2000. 500mm
I am trying to use my camera buttons to move between static poses with the birds at a lower SS and thus ISO on one button push and move to action at 1/2000 for BIF shots by pushing another button. I know I did not need 1/2000 to capture this.
I call it playing Nikon piano as I turn features on and off on the fly.
Description
This was shot in Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park when I was looking for fawns. You never know what will pop up.
Nice bluebird. I like the crop. If you moved it at all, maybe towards the upper left third and get more of the bottom seed pods? But it’s great as is too.
Very nice @Andrew_Sentipal. I love the bluebird’s pose and the silky contrasting color in the background.
Regarding crops, I would be inclined to perhaps crop some off the bottom. The seed pods are interesting, and they add an environmental element, but they do pull me eyes away from the bird.
Nice catch Andrew. You seemed to have handled the side lighting well even though I believe I see a black fringe line on the right of the bird in places (viewed large). It’s not very distinct though. A fine pose with the over the shoulder head pose. I like the original crop and being able to see the seed pods.
Great capture! I love the pose and the fact that he/she is looking right at you. I also like the way it is cropped with a little more negative space on the right. My first thought was that the face was a little dark, but I agree with your decision to leave it that way since the lighting is from the side. I did think the face was a little soft, i.e. slightly blurred, however. If it is real, it obviously isn’t because of the shutter speed which was 1/2000. At any rate, I decided to try sharpening it a little in Light Room and I kept crop suggested by @Marylynne_Diggs.
Very pleasing image, Andrew. I like the pose and how you handled the light on the bluebird, and the background is great. I like keeping the pod as you have it to provide some environmental context, but could see (if you have the space) to make it a 5x4 crop with more on the right. It seems a bit tight and I could see more room on the right for the bluebird to look into.
A very nice catch and well photographed, Andrew. You have some great suggestions already. Just to be contrary, I think I’d crop from the top about halfway down to the top of the head to get a little shorter aspect ratio. You might also select the bird and pods and bring down the highlights just a bit-the side lighting feels a bit bright. You could also warm them up a bit at the same time to get a little more of that early morning feel.
One of the reasons I left the pods in are due to their history in the park. During WWII volunteers gathered the white pod seeds in the fall by the thousands. They were used as stuffing for life vests.
Some great suggestions have been made. i think I will duplicate the image a few times and test them all. I really appreciate all responses as I enjoy learning.
Very nice @Andrew_Sentipal. I love the bluebird’s pose and the silky contrasting color in the background.
Regarding crops, I would be inclined to perhaps crop some off the bottom. The seed pods are interesting, and they add an environmental element, but they do pull me eyes away from the bird.
Thanks for your detailed reply and work on my photo. I always enjoy asking for input as often times I miss things. Plus fresh ideas are always good. I try to learn from every post. I am going to duplicate my image and try each of the suggestions.
Great capture! I love the pose and the fact that he/she is looking right at you. I also like the way it is cropped with a little more negative space on the right. My first thought was that the face was a little dark, but I agree with your decision to leave it that way since the lighting is from the side. I did think the face was a little soft, i.e. slightly blurred, however. If it is real, it obviously isn’t because of the shutter speed which was 1/2000. At any rate, I decided to try sharpening it a little in Light Room and I kept crop suggested by @Marylynne_Diggs.
Thanks for your detailed reply on my photo. I always enjoy asking for input as often times I miss things. Plus fresh ideas are always good. I try to learn from every post. I am going to duplicate the image and try versions based on the responses. I have not posted on NPN for awhile but am back now. I always enjoy seeing what others shoot. Great for learning and inspiration.
Someone replied to your post.
| Dennis Plank Birds and Non-Nature Moderator February 24 |
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A very nice catch and well photographed, Andrew. You have some great suggestions already. Just to be contrary, I think I’d crop from the top about halfway down to the top of the head to get a little shorter aspect ratio. You might also select the bird and pods and bring down the highlights just a bit-the side lighting feels a bit bright. You could also warm them up a bit at the same time to get a little more of that early morning feel.
Very pleasing image, Andrew. I like the pose and how you handled the light on the bluebird, and the background is great. I like keeping the pod as you have it to provide some environmental context, but could see (if you have the space) to make it a 5x4 crop with more on the right. It seems a bit tight and I could see more room on the right for the bluebird to look into.
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