# Great Blue Heron **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** birds\ **Created:** [January 30, 2026, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570 "2026-01-30T17:05:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Allen\_Brooks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_brooks/32/390_2.png) [@Allen\_Brooks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Brooks)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2026, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/1 "2026-01-30T17:05:24Z")
![Great Blue Heron-NPN2.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/a/4/a477099a467a4cb402a2a7e5722d0b7dc42b4545.jpeg) > **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_ > > The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image. ### Description The heron was perched high on this dead tree looking out over some wetlands. I like the high key element the overcast day provided. I would rather have some separation between the tree and the back of the heron. ### Specific Feedback Any thoughts appreciated. ### Technical Details Canon R5; 100-500 at 300 mm; 1/320 at f5.6, +1 1/3 EV; ISO 200 * * * ### 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: ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2026, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/2 "2026-01-30T21:17:21Z")
Very nice, Allen. I can see your point about some separation there, but it doesn’t really bother me in this case. ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Sparks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_sparks/32/63507_2.png) [@Allen\_Sparks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Sparks)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2026, 4:06am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/3 "2026-01-31T04:06:57Z")
Really nice details and tones on the heron Allen. I like the perch and high key look. There appears to be a vertical/diagonal smudge in front of the bird. Wonder what that is. ---
**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2026, 4:20am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/4 "2026-01-31T04:20:51Z")
Wonderful detail and colors on the Heron, and a regal pose on a lovely perch! ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Brooks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_brooks/32/390_2.png) [@Allen\_Brooks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Brooks)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2026, 5:29am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/5 "2026-01-31T05:29:06Z")
> [@Allen\_Sparks](#): > > There appears to be a vertical/diagonal smudge in front of the bird. Wonder what that is. So do I, Allen. I hadn’t noticed that until you mentioned it. Good eyes! I went back to my raw file and it’s there before any processing. I think it might be another dead tree in the distance. There were quite a few in the area. ---
**Author:** ![Antonello\_Provenzale](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/antonello_provenzale/32/4658_2.png) [@Antonello\_Provenzale](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Antonello_Provenzale)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2026, 1:07pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/6 "2026-01-31T13:07:05Z")
Beautiful pose of the heron, and excellent composition with delicate subtle colors. I like the light and clean background, apart from the greyish shape right in front of the bird. Probably, you could easily remove it to get an even clear background… ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Lockhart](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_lockhart/32/16565_2.png) [@Jim\_Lockhart](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Lockhart)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/7 "2026-02-01T00:14:52Z")
Beautiful pose and BG Allen, did you provide that dead tree prop 😁? Like the feather details and sharp eye. Looks like he’s got a foot lifted for a quick getaway. Appears the tree may have had a little stump of a branch sticking out so wishing for more separation there (which is no biggie) may have been a stretch anyway. Reminds me that I’ve got a nice shot of one with a rather large fish that I’ve yet to post. ---
**Author:** ![framingtheuntamed](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/framingtheuntamed/32/80226_2.png) [@framingtheuntamed](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/framingtheuntamed)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2026, 12:17am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/great-blue-heron/49570/8 "2026-02-01T00:17:30Z")
Beautiful composition and detail on the Heron. The smudge is a little distracting. I thought my screen was dirty at first. 😜