Green Heron Feeding South Padre

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

DSC_3493-Edit.jpg
DSC_3493-Edit.jpg1256×850 1.44 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I watched and shot this small heron feeding for over 15 minutes as it struggled to swallow its prey.

Specific Feedback

Any suggestions welcome. Probably could have used a lower ISO.

Technical Details

Z8, 400mm, f/10, 1/640, ISO1100
Post LRC/PS

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2

Wow, judging by what’s sticking out that fish was as big as the bird, and probably weighed twice as much. The only thing I can suggest, with that really busy background is to boost the saturation and contrast of the heron a bit (and maybe microcontrast to bring out feather detail) to try to get it to pop a bit more from the background.

Great catch on both your parts.

3

Hi Daniel, great catch. Love seeing this feeding behavior. I agree with Dennis on boosting saturation on the heron. I think you could also try darkening the background to separate the bird more.

Perhaps another version to try is cropping at the bottom eliminating most of the reflection. I’m not sure the reflection adds much given all the reeds present.

5

Thanks - your changes really improved the image