Brightened the eye and added more canvas:
Original:
Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A few weeks ago at a nearby wetlands, I noticed that a group of Egrets were flying in from the south just after sunrise and settling down in the lakeshore for the morning. So, for a few days, I positioned myself to try to catch them in flight. This particular morning the sky was blue and the egrets were awash in nice golden sunlight. This one flew right past me at eye height. Pretty cool experience.
Specific Feedback
How does the boring blue sky work? I think it compliments the golden sunlight, myself. Thoughts?
Any other recommendations?
Technical Details
Nikon Z8, 800mm, 1/2500sec @ f/6.3, ISO 1100
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2 Likes
Beautiful light, David. The blue sky works for me. I’d consider giving the egret a bit more room and maybe adding a bit of pop to the eye.
Your scouting and patience paid off, David. Great eye level look. The soft light on the egret makes up for the blue sky.
Thanks you @Dennis_Plank and @Allen_Brooks for the comments and suggestions.
Dennis, I rarely have to go into a pixel editor (Affinity/Photoshop) these days as most of what I need is n Capture One. But I brought this into Affinity and added some canvas, then cloned the sky. It’s a little more room, but hopefully better…
Cheers,
David
Really nice image of this Egret in flight David. The head, wings and legs are in the ideal position so it all works very well. I find that when a bird flies by me I will take a few shots and see which one will work when I get them on the computer. We all wish for perfect backgrounds but more often than not we don’t get them. The blue sky is fine here since the bird looks so great. Some might suggest a sky replacement, but personally I never do that. I believe that what you see is what you get. Nice job!
Gorgeous capture with wonderful pose and detail in great light!! You earned this one.
What a nuisance to have to deal with a great subject being too too close! 
@Ted_Forman and @Diane_Miller thank you for the comments and suggestions. Much appreciated
Diane, you crack me up 
The bit of extra canvas worked for me, David.
1 Like
Hi David, nice catch with the upward wing position. Fine golden light and the blue sky is fine with me. Very nice details. Good job on the repost. A fine image.
@Allen_Sparks and @Dennis_Plank thanks for the comments and suggestions. Much appreciated.
