Gotcha!

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Original:

RB_08355-ARW copy 2NPNB.jpg
RB_08355-ARW copy 2NPNB.jpg2332×1672 869 KB

New Widest Crop and top greenery removed:

RB_08355-ARW copy 2WiderXNB
RB_08355-ARW copy 2WiderXNB2222×1115 862 KB

Original Wider Crop:

RB_08355-ARW copy 2WideNB.jpg
RB_08355-ARW copy 2WideNB.jpg2042×1157 900 KB

Wide Crop

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Amazon Kingfisher catching Piranha
Pantanal, Brazil
Taken from a small boat in the river

Specific Feedback

Which crop do you prefer?
I wanted to focus on the bird and prey in the close crop, but hated cropping out the dive into the water and long diagonal splash of the wider version.

Technical Details

Sony A1
200-600 @ 250
Date Taken: 2024-08-15 09:17:22
Exposure Time: 1/3200 sec
F Number: f/10
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 5000
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2 Likes
2

Oh wow - Congrats! I know how tough it is to get a shot like this. Great flight pose just above the water with the fish in the mouth. You caught him/her at just the right time - a full view of the bird outstretched with all that splashing water.
I like both crops with a slight preference for the closer one.

3

Allen, that’s one of the joys of 30 FPS - one has a better chance of getting great wing positions! :slight_smile:

1 Like
4

Wow. this is great Sandy. I love the splash and the wing position. I like the close crop better, but the larger version really shows the action too.

5

I like both, Sandy, and I think it depends on the intended purpose. As art, the close crop is better balanced, but if you’re trying to explain the action, the wider frame works better. Artistically, I’d get rid of the bright green plants at the top of the wider version regardless, as they’re a bit of an eye magnet.

6

VERY fortuitous! Great shots. I prefer the first one. I like the cropping better.

7

Fantastic capture. Great timing and excellent detail. As for the crop, I agree it’s hard to give up that diagonal splash. I like the first one as there is more room for the bird to fly into. Maybe an even larger pano with room on the right.

8

Great moment, great capture. I prefer the wider shot.
I agree with @Dennis_Plank about the bright green plants, darkening the plants a bit will be enough, I think.

9

Thank you @Allen_Brooks @Ed_Williams @Dennis_Plank @Han_Schutten @Dave_Douglass and @Allen_Sparks for the thoughtful suggestions.
Wider pano crop posted.
And thankyou for the EP!

10

I just saw this … FANTASTIC!!