The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Buff-banded Rails are one of my top 100 favourite birds. They are secretive, but inquisitive.
Specific Feedback
The crop was a difficult decision. Rails have longish legs, and I would generally leave a bit more room on the bottom to allow for “virtual” legs. But to me, when I left that bit on the bottom, the bottom was just too boring. The same goes for the top. Too much room…or not enough? I would also like to crop in more from the right , but that made the image a little heavy on the right hand side.
I’m OK with leaving the OOF grasses. Are they distracting?
Technical Details
ISO 1600 150-600@480mm Hand Held f6.3 1/500
Last light of the afternoon
Basic adjustments in ACR and removal of long grass at the tail end. A little background taming including lowering of contrast and cloning adjustments to bright spots.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi, Glennie - a beautiful bird in a great pose. Your usual fine detail, and a bright eye.
The only OOF bit that bothers me at all is the grass stalk over the tail. All the others are fine from here. The crop looks good to me, as well.
Well-done!
The composition looks fine to me, Glennie. With the legs so completely hidden and no hint of their length, I think you made a reasonable choice on the bottom. It is a bit centered horizontally, but that often happens with this kind of pose where the bird is just partially looking backwards and there’s no clear indication that it’s looking behind itself. Gorgeous detail in the plumage and the grasses don’t bother me a bit-they help convey the nice low angle you managed to get.
Hi Glenys
First, thank for the Buff-Banded Rail. my first viewing. The low angle, feather detail, head turn and eye contact are great. I like the frame as you have presented it.
Peter
Gorgeous capture!! The FG is soft and not at all distracting. With no clue how long the legs are, the crop is fine, and laterally it works for this lookback pose. Lovely soft light, wonderful detail, gorgeous BG, alert pose – no nits!!
A pleasing pose and excellent detail. I like the soft background. The crop and composition work well. I don’t know about Australian rails, but those where I live are secretive and rarely out in the open. Nice one, Glenys.
Lovely image Glenys, the low shooting angle is great and I love the pose of the bird with that head turn towards us. Fine details. The crop looks good to me. Well done.
