First Light

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

DSC07858a50.jpg
DSC07858a50.jpg2808Ă—1872 2.35 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

There is a cemetery near us that has a beautiful pond, and two swans. They bring so much comfort to people who often, after visiting a gravesite of a loved one, goes to the pond and sits on a bench to just watch them. They are only allowed to have crushed corn or fresh spinach per the owners. Everyone loves them and gives them only the healthiest, approved “treats”. I love going and just sitting with them, watching them, and photographing their different poses. This was one morning just as sunrise had happened.

Specific Feedback

No comment.

Technical Details

F stop 7.1
Exposure time 1/2000 sec
ISO 2000

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
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1 Like
2

I like the way the back leads into the sharp neck and the lighting, Judi, though I think it might have been an even more powerful image if you’d sacrificed some of that back to get the full arch of the neck. Usually if you’re going to cut part of the subject off it’s best to cut deep so it doesn’t look like it was unintentional. The selective focus works very well in this image.

1 Like
3

Judi, this is a really nice image. I had a few ideas for it, so - I hope you don’t mind - I played with it a bit.

DSC07858a50 copy 2
DSC07858a50 copy 22600Ă—1717 810 KB

This is what I came up with -

  • I felt that beautiful neck might be better if complete (I hope you have extra room at the top; I used Gen Fill to simulate that)
  • The OOF back detracts a little for me, so I cropped a bit closer
  • the eye is so important, I used a “levels” adjustment to define it further and bring it alive (circle the eye only and adjust levels)
  • “levels” adjustment to darken all the BG - there were bits and pieces of green showing in the larger version.
    See what you think -
    Fine image!
1 Like
4

Hi Judi, a fine image of this graceful beauty. Nice details where it counts and fine exposure. Agree with the suggestions given above.

5

Thank you for taking the time to do some improvements and teaching me. I appreciate it, and like it!

6

Thank you, I see what you mean. I shall give it a try.