Grace

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

PRH_0301-Enhanced-NR-3.jpg
PRH_0301-Enhanced-NR-3.jpg2048×1365 1.07 MB

PRH_0301.jpg
PRH_0301.jpg2048×1365 1.11 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

The soft sound of a gentle snowfall on my hat and shoulders accentuated the peaceful scene before me. The Yellowstone River slowly meanders through this tree lined section just north of the Hayden Valley. Most places were frozen over, but in areas like this, where shore ice was slowly creeping in from the edges, there was still ample open water. The tranquility of the moment was accentuated by the muffled conversation among the various waterfowl. There were several species of ducks babbling amongst each other. The occasional cackling of Canada Geese could be heard along with the soft, short trumpeting of the Swans. Every once in a while, the distinct whistling of Common Goldeneyes on the wing could be heard. The most impressive sound was that of the Trumpeter Swans stretching their wings and performing a few quick flaps. These stunning birds are the heaviest bird native to North America and are the largest waterfowl we have. Despite that, these birds carry themselves with such an air of grace and sophistication that it is easy to forget just how large they are when you are lost in the moment with them.

Specific Feedback

I’ve included an unprocessed version of this scene. There were a lot of them exiting the water to stretch and preen, so I didnt even get this one composed very well as I swung the camera to the sound. I was shooting at 500mm, but knew when shooting this that I’d be working this image pretty hard. I took a bunch of bursts hoping to get the wings like this. Most were not what I was looking for, but this one was! It’s definitely an artistic edit that I’ve taken license with since it’s nothing like what my eyes saw. That said, it’s probably an acquired taste as to whether or not you like this sort of edit. So, for the type of image it is, do you like the dark water, the slightly enhance reflection, and the vignette?

Technical Details

Nikon D850
Nikon 500mm f/4
ISO 250, f/6.3, 1/1000th

Lots of individual masks in Lightroom for various areas.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
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2

This works for me, Paul. For my taste, there’s nothing wrong with an artistic interpretation of a scene or an element thereof, and this one is very nice. Personally, I’d probably have placed the swan a bit higher in the frame to give it a more dominant position (like a preacher dispensing a blessing on the multitude), but that’s just how I interpret the scene. Very nice work on the processing.

3

Hi, Paul - I have mixed feelings about this one. It’s a beautiful swan, and rendered well. I just don’t see “Grace” here - to me, it looks much darker and almost ominous and threatening. I’d personally include the right swan to soften and mellow it out a bit.
Neat image, though, and a great find.

4

Thats a legitimate point Sandy! I guess in my mind I think of them as graceful but did write about their size and weight which isn’t exactly graceful. I might look to see if I have a different image that matches the title “grace” more appropriately. Maybe I should just change the title!

5

Hmmm, I like that thought Dennis. I’ll play around with the placement some more. It would certainly make it a darker image, which would add to the ominous presence that Sandy mentioned.

6

Hi Paul
I the Trumpeter Swan as overlord of this dark world. My only other option, would be to include Swan to the right of frame. Nice work.
Peter