Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
These are a few of the 45,000 sandhill cranes that have spent the winter in southern Arizona. I had the sense that the birds in the foreground were on sentry duty.
All comments are welcome.
ISO 1000, 560mm, f/8, 1/2500th.
A nice job conveying the feeling of a mob in this image, Don. Getting all four of the foreground birds in pretty good focus an with eye contact is a big bonus-they’re not usually very cooperative that way. I’d be tempted to pull the highlights down a bit, though I’m sure this is more representative of your Arizona sun. A fine image.
Really nice look at the foreground cranes, Don. The color of the grass works well with cranes and the grass provides a good environmental component. The grass and the background cranes has an almost abstract feel.
Dennis, Allen, thanks for the comments. Dennis, I think you’re right about the highlights. Here’s a revision that I hope is better.
I like your original version, however, after posting your revision, I like it even more. Great idea to feature the four in front with so many in background. Maybe sentries or maybe looking for a mates?
I love this Don! And, being able to photograph such a large flock must have been awesome.
The simple colour palette has worked a treat. I wonder if there is another version with a little more room on the bottom?
Jim, Glennie, thanks.
Glennie, here’s an uncropped and mostly unprocessed version. It may explain why I didn’t want more room above or below.
Well, Jim, I hope I’m not the odd one out here. But, I love the uncropped image. For me, it gives a sense of place and, of late, I have been tempted to include more habitat than the pretty branch the bird is briefly perched on.
The bottom sandy and grasses make a fine base for the image and doesn’t compete at all with the birds. I consider a bit of loose feather removal and perhaps crop off the two birds right on the left edge. A little debris removal in the water?
How lucky you are that there are a few versions to consider!
Hi Don
Great job in framing the flock of Sandhills.
Peter
Thanks, Peter.
