Great Egret Portrait w/repost

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Updated with a few tweaks:

20241202_084758_Z813763
20241202_084758_Z8137632048×1638 565 KB

Original:

20241202_084758_Z813763.jpg
20241202_084758_Z813763.jpg2048×1638 535 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I happened upon this egret and loved the back/side light. I was playing with Nikon’s Highlight-Weighted Metering which protects the highlights. This was a great test and really did well. The bird was so close, I couldn’t get a full body shot…

Specific Feedback

Any comments appreciated.

Technical Details

800mm, 1/2000sec @ f/6.3, ISO 280

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:
1 Like
2

Interesting metering feature that seems to have worked well, David. The lighting is gorgeous in this image. I love the way parts of the plumage are translucent.

1 Like
3

Nice framing and the lighting is excellent! Maybe a little bit more detail in the darker mids though?? Looks like NR may have been a bit overdone? I can never remember what anyone is using. Small nits though – overall a very nice capture!

4

You’re lucky (or stealthy!); I never seem to get too close to egrets. I felt that the area round the eye could be brightened up a little, but I’d keep that lovely contrast between light and dark everywhere else. I can be real picky, and would remove the v. small darker bit in the TRC. A beautiful portrait.

5

@Dennis_Plank, @Diane_Miller, and @Mike_Friel thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Diane, I am not sure what you’re seeing re NR, this was shot at ISO 280, I wouldn’t apply any NR to that level.

Mike, thanks for catching the spot in the RC.

I’ve posted a rework up above.

Cheers,
David

1 Like
6

Guess I’m not used to seeing the natural absence of noise! Apologies!! Very nice touches on the update!!