Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Was recently in Patagonia and had the opportunity to photograph flamingos in the early morning hours as the sun was rising. Since I couldn’t ask the birds to move to the other side of the pond, took advantage of practicing some backlit photography. 
Specific Feedback
Do you like the crop? Are the foreground water ripples distracting? All thoughts welcome!!
Technical Details
Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 600mm f/4.0 TC VR S
1/1600 sec. at f/5.6, ISO 180 840mm, -1 EV
Lightroom Classic - adjustments to whites, blacks, highlights, shadows, etc., cropping.
The really bright ripples in the lower left are a bit distracting, Christine, and I think a slight crop from the left and maybe some judicious highlight reduction would fix it nicely.The bright spot behind and left of the flamingo is also a bit of an eye magnet that you might try to subdue a bit.
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Lucky you getting to Patagonia! I bet you have a gazillion images to go through!
I’m a bigt fan of backlighting; unfortunately, not much good at it. I like what you’ve posted very much and think Dennis’s suggestions are very good.
I might consider cropping those bright ripples at the bottom right off. I don’t mind the other bright spot, but would certainily tame it a little.
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Thank you @Glenys_Passier and @Dennis_Plank . This was an experiment in backlighting! Appreciate the feedback!
Really nice backlit shot, Christine. I’d be tempted to crop off the bottom as it would direct more attention on the bird and the nice line of lit water running across the image. I don’t mind the bright area on the left; somehow it seems to balance the image.
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Thank you @Allen_Brooks . Appreciate it!
