# Bull in the Cottonwoods **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** wildlife\ **Created:** [September 30, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428 "2026-09-30T01:42:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jerry\_Austin](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jerry_austin/32/396_2.png) [@Jerry\_Austin](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jerry_Austin)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/1 "2026-09-30T01:42:07Z")
![Original - 2W8A6807.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/1/6/16dca5bd699c10e9fd4c7533832a938a7c1b0357.jpeg) **Critique Style:** Standard The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below. **Feedback Focus:** Artistic / Expressive ### About This Image My intent was to try to capture this impressive bull in his colorful environment. I wanted to be close enough to show detail but far enough away to show habitat. ### Feedback Requested Framing and exposure ### Technical Details Camera: Canon EOS R5 Lens: EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Focal length: 290mm Shutter speed: 1/640s Aperture: f/4 ISO: 1000 ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_Buffington](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/b782af/32.png) [@Steve\_Buffington](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Steve_Buffington)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 5:29am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/2 "2026-09-30T05:29:38Z")
Darn, I would have loved to be with you on this one Jerry. I really like the shot. I would see if you could get rid of that branch at his bum. The other point I suggest is darkening the hind legs where the sun is hitting. They are the brightest spot in the picture and therefore distracting for me. I think the rest of the exposure and the comp over all is spot on. Nice job. ---
**Author:** ![Preston\_Birdwell](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/preston_birdwell/32/374_2.png) [@Preston\_Birdwell](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Preston_Birdwell)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 5:16pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/3 "2026-09-30T17:16:18Z")
I agree with Steve here, Jerry. You might also look at burning down the left antler a bit. I like the composition. You have admirably met your intent. -P ---
**Author:** ![Huw\_Thomas](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/huw_thomas/32/87850_2.png) [@Huw\_Thomas](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Huw_Thomas)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 8:46am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/4 "2026-10-01T08:46:15Z")
Hi @Jerry_Austin Lovely atmospheric shot that whispers. Colours are fantastic as is the sun on the antlers. I tried reducing the highlights on the antlers and rear but there isn’t enough detail in the posted jpg to stop the whites going rather grey - hopefully the raw is better. Taking some of the textures from the thigh with healing tool may suffice. I dont mind the lighter branch of the tree - I think it works very well setting the scene compositionally - photographer creeping up without disturbing the bull with gorgeous colours and slight misty morning feel I saw another crop that is possible too which avoids the bright hind quarters - I removed a leaning tree infront of the bull as part of this play with the image. I hope you dont mind - I think the original really works if you can sort the brighter areas IMHO - and a good part of me wants to leave the bright areas alone anyway. truly gorgeous pic Regards Huw ![2W8A6807](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/f/3/f324b7e286c05d5441480afb50b5fdfd3664f543.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Elizabeth](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/elizabeth/32/69090_2.png) [@Elizabeth](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 10:59am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/5 "2026-10-01T10:59:38Z")
WOW! I have always wanted to get something like this. I have been fortunate enough to at least see moose a couple of times. I agree with the suggestions others have already made. The only thing I would add, and it is really minor, is that I see something mildly distracting and the very bottom left edge, next to the tree, might want to crop that out. Fantastic image and I am jealous! ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_Wilson](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/doug_wilson/32/89609_2.png) [@Doug\_Wilson](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Doug_Wilson)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/6 "2026-10-01T14:08:28Z")
Wow, wow, wow! What an exciting moment that must have been. I love the colours and the light - beautiful. My natural inclination would have been to show more of the environment. He’s such a dominating element - I think you could add more and he’ll nver get lost. But I think the crop on this is a very personal choice - really only an opinion. I don’t thin there’s any right or wrong - just what you’re trying to say with the image, imho. Whatever the crop choiced, it’s an image that makes me stop scrolling! Very impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Nevesely](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/tom_nevesely/32/75980_2.png) [@Tom\_Nevesely](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Tom_Nevesely)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 3:22pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/7 "2026-10-01T15:22:34Z")
This really is a very nice shot of a truly majestic creature and I appreciate that you wanted to show him more in his environment. Steve’s suggestions about the blurry branch and about toning down the bright spots are good and I would have suggested the same (if he had not beaten me to it 🙂 ). ---
**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/bull-in-the-cottonwoods/52428/8 "2026-10-01T15:53:29Z")
What a stunning capture!! I agree on toning down the bright spots – there might be enough highlight detail if you start with a linear profile. The setting is gorgeous. If this is a crop and there is more canvas on the bottom and left, it would be good to look at including it, but maybe just for a different version. The image is strong as shown.