The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I noticed a swallowtail in our backyard and grabbed the camera.
Specific Feedback
I don’t photograph bugs or wildlife very often and I could use advice. I cropped this one quite a bit. I then upscaled it to get back some of the resolution lost by cropping. I also sharpened it with Topaz AI. That’s more processing than I would ordinarily do. The result seems a little more sharpened than I’m entirely comfortable with. It also has something of a plastic look that I suspect resulted from upscaling the image. Do others share these reactions? I’d also welcome comments about any other shortcomings.
Technical Details
ISO 200, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/100th sec.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Butterflies are tough since they move a lot and are fast with it. My first thought is that upping the shutter speed and the ISO would contribute to overall crispness because it would stop the action better. You wouldn’t necessarily have to use Topaz for anything unless you really pushed the ISO and it got noisy. Looking closely I see that the eye isn’t quite in focus, but it could be movement not the focus lock at fault. If you try again, I’d see if you could try a more overcast day for better light and/or slower insects. When they’re just getting moving for the day, they take a while to warm up and can be easier to catch. In terms of the crop, more or less would be ideal - either to get the whole of the wings in the frame, or if they are cut off, come in closer so it seems more deliberate rather than a goof. You are a nice distance from the bg which helps isolate and simplify the photo so kudos there.
