The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Nature can be brutal and this small bird made a fatal error by leaving the safety of cover. Warblers and winter finches were being blown across Whitefish Bay and a family group of merlins were waiting for them. I was only able to get within 75 yards for this shot. The crop was extensive and decided to do this because of a very bright OOF branch of driftwood that spanned the bottom of the frame.
Specific Feedback
How does this one look and hope the effects of the crop are minimal?
Technical Details
Z9 600mm f4 (1/1600sec at f5.6, ISO 1250.) DeNoise, Heavy crop for comp, Levels, Smart Sharpen, Shadows & Highlights, Brightness & Contrast.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Looks darn good for long distance shot that’’s been heavily cropped, Jim. While the super fine feather detail isn’t there, it’s more than adequate and the action makes up for the slight lack of detail which wouldn’t be visible viewing the image from a reasonable distance in the first place.
Hi Jim, really fine behavioral catch showing the feeding action. Details looks good to me considering the crop. Merlins are rarely seen where I live so this is really nice. A fine image.
This is a great action shot with a lot of detail. Colors are wonderful. Good job on the background and the foreground. There certainly is a lot to look at in this image. Great job!
Thank you @Dennis_Plank , @Allen_Sparks , @David_Schoen , @Diane_Miller , and @Mike_Friel for your critiques. This was a first for me as we rarely get merlins down where I live. Its gruesome, but there’s no elegance when a hungry raptor eats breakfast…Jim
Excellent! Raptors have to eat, too, and since I just served roast chicken with dinner, I’m not going to pass judgment. (Just don’t tell our vegan daughter.)
I would never have guessed this was a big crop. The detail is wonderful as is the setting and BG!
Super action shot, Jim, and even the stretched bit is very sharp. The black log contrasts well with the green in the BG. I occasionally have seen a Merlin here, but never saw one in such an interesting pose.
