Critique Style Requested: In-depth
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
I wanted to capture the singular intent of this egret at the moment it strikes for a fish. I was able to get the eye just above the surface of the water. I did like the water disturbance to highlight the action. However, the light was very bright and created a lot of contrast. Not sure of the cropping on this one.
Creative direction
I am trying to improve avian action shots that evoke a sense of emotion or curiosity. I am looking to improving images that include the environment where the behavior occurs.
Specific Feedback
I would like feedback on the light, cropping and the impression formed by this image. Thank you, Bill
Technical Details
OM1, 150-400mm lens, 1.4x teleconverter. (at 337mm), 1/5000 sec., f9, ISO 2000
Description
Two hours after sunrise in a marsh where 4-5 Great Egrets were fishing near shadows cast by the trees . Lots of action with lots of contrast.
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Fine capture, Bill. I think the cropping works well to show the action you intended to capture. Great to get the eye sharp with the obvious motion of the egret. The whites look good. The splash mirrors the the position of the head and neck.
Hi Bill
Nice work on the framing, eye contact and detail. I thing you could slow the shutter speed some (1/2000), it will help to lower the ISO.
Peter
Excellent timing to catch this moment, Bill and it conveys the feeling of the action very well. I’m not too sure about the darkness of the water and I’d probably play with lifting the shadows to see what effect it has. I also think the image needs straightening. Water is a bit difficult that way, but you can usually use the long axis of a elliptical ripple such as is formed by the egret’s plunge here to straighten one. It should be a horizontal line. I made a crude attempt at showing that axis in the image below.
Other than those minor issues, it’s a really fine image.
Dennis,
Thank you very much for the helpful feedback, I will play around with this image more and work on straightening it. Good tip for birds in water. Bill
HI Bill, a fine capture. I love seeing the eye right above the water and the splash the bird creates. Great timing. I agree with the advice given above especially on the straightening.
Great capture of an egret doing his thing. You certainly had some harsh light to deal with but the whites look good although I might lift the darkest shadows just a touch. The composition you chose looks fine to me. It boils the image down into what you’re emphasizing and that is the strike in the water.
Good tip from Dennis on straightening the image.
