The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
Overall I am pleased with the image just looking for suggestions
Creative direction
I like to convey a moody scene that actually takes you there.
Specific Feedback
Looking for suggestions of things that I should have done differently
Technical Details
Canon 7D markII with 100-400 canon lens.
Edited in Lightroom
F5.6 1/450 auto ISO
Description
Watched her graze in the field with her 2 cubs!
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Hi Tiffany, welcome to NPN. This is a great first post. She looks happy and well fed. You have great detail in the fur and handled the darks really well. A lower POV (point of view) would be nice, but not always possible in the real world. I’m looking forward to seeing your photography. I encourage you to evaluate and comment on other’s posts as well. It is good to get lots of input from all corners of our NPN community, and it helps us to evaluate our own work.
Hi Tiffany and welcome to NPN - I hope you will find our group inspiring and informative. Having just come across a sow and three cubs the other day, but not being in a position to take any photos, I’m jealous of your encounter - as green as the grass. It’s a nice behavior shot - I think many people forget just how omnivorous black bears are. And the rich fur is beautiful, too. Looks like a happy bear.
I’m in agreement with Ed about getting lower, and while not always possible, dropping down as low as you can helps with immediacy - it connects us to the animal rather than distances, which our natural height often does. Another thing is that if you can’t include the entire animal, crop for a portrait. Having part of the bear out of the shot makes it feel accidental - a snapshot. Not that there’s anything wrong with snapshots, but you can improve the deliberate feel of real decision-making in post. Overall the photo is a bit soft as well. You didn’t include much in the way of technical info, but possibly using a smaller aperture and/or higher shutter speed would have helped. Whenever I shoot wildlife I use focus peaking to help me achieve the best focus.
I hope that helps. Please do have a go at commenting on other’s photos as well as submitting your own. Critique is one of the best ways to hone your own skill at achieving great photos.
Tiffany - Very nice image. It’sunusual to see the eyes, since bears usually have their heads down. Nice fur detail and action. I might suggest trying to bring out the eye detail and color a bit, if possible.
