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Image Description
This image was captured along the coast of Lake Clark National Park in Alaska. As the sun set the bears were illuminated by some of the most beautiful golden hour light I’ve ever seen!
Critique Template
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Matthew - this is a gorgeous image! Your light was exceptional, and the bear is illuminated amazingly. Nice fur detail, a great pose from the bear, and sweet environment. I especially like the bit of blue sky against the dark green pines.
My first reaction was (sorry ) “Damn, I hate these flies” said the bear. Having been there, I certainly agree! Then: “What striking light!!”
It’s unusual to get a bear with head up and bright eyes, as they usually walk with their heads down. This aspect is also wonderful.
A few suggestions, if I may, to possibly improve this lovely image:
the bright green grass is a little overbearing (pun intended) and “over-bears” the bear.
Might be de-saturated a bit.
A little more room in front for the bear to walk into would be good.
I like the green OOF grass on the bear’s belly, but the white weeds to the left are a little distracting and might best go away.
Just a spectacular shot!
Hi Sandy,
I appreciate your feedback! The colors are pretty intense and definitely could use a bit of tweaking. It was an incredible scene. I have another version that gives a little more space on the right so appreciate you mentioning that. Thanks!
I agree with Sandy’s ideas for minor tweaks - though I wouldn’t replace this with an image having more space in front unless it’s just as good. You could probably use Edit/Fill to add canvas to the right, if you wish. The rim lighting is wonderful all round. And I love how the dark BG colors contrast with the rest. Gorgeous shot!
Very nice bear. If this is a crop, give the bear more space out front. If full frame, I can live with a print of this guy up on the wall. Lighting is outstanding and you are going to have to wait a long time before getting one better than this one. Fantastic and the head turn is special…Jim
Matthew: excellent photo of this beautiful bear. You might consider reducing the saturation and luminance of the grasses which are any eye catcher. If you’re OK with the technique add some canvas on the right side.
The colors are a bit intense on my screen. I like the backlighting a lot, and think the bugs add some great texture to the frame as a result.
I think the centered comp works just fine, btw. The rim lighting really emphasizes the shape of the subject, so I’m less concerned about where the bear is going and leaving space in front.
) “Damn, I hate these flies” said the bear. Having been there, I certainly agree! Then: “What striking light!!”
