Breakfast in the Rain

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I wanted to get a sequence of photos showing feeding behavior. This is one of our more brightly colored males, but had only a single fledgling compared to some of the first year males that were followed by an entourage of 2 to 3 youngsters. It was dark, wet, and rainy which adds to the drama of the shot.

Specific Feedback

I used an 8x10 crop for all photos. Would you prefer a narrower crop than what I used?

Technical Details

Z9 600mm f4 (1/4000 sec at f8.0, ISO 10000) DeNoise, Levels, Brightness & Contrast, subtle curve adjustment in Camera Raw, Crop for Comp.


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1 Like

Excellent series, Jim. I like the sequence and the 8x10 format gives more room for rain. You were kind of caught between two different demands on this one. You needed a pretty good shutter speed to show the action, but rain looks a lot more impressive with a fairly slow shutter speed so you get those cool streaks. The 1/4000 might have been a bit more than necessary, but I know that action is very fast.

Great action here, Jim. Down the hatch!
That must have been a tiny bug, as I’m not seeing it or any flailing legs. The rain and dark BG add a lot.
No nits here!

Gorgeous! And great action well-caught. I could see a crop with less room above and below but no big deal as the BG is very pleasing. I’m wondering about a tiny bit more exposure but this does convey the rainy day.

One thing I like to do in a sequence like this is to position the perch exactly the same in each frame. Just a little extra touch.

I don’t have much to add to previous comments. I like the BG, the action, and the raindrops. Nice series!

Great series Jim with rich colors and capturing fascinating behavior. I like this as presented. Well done.