Thanks for all of the comments and ideas! I reframed and cloned out the branches.
Original
Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Early morning capture of a small green heron on a rock hunting for its breakfast at a local state park. When I walked past this rock originally he wasn’t there. I turned around after about 50 yards and he was sitting there posing for me.
And, yes, I know it looks like the right side of the bird is chopped off, but I swear that is how he was standing. 
Specific Feedback
Requesting feedback on editing, which is where I think I need to improve the most.
Processing took place in LR with a moderate crop, general adjustments, and localized masking.
Technical Details
Sony A7RV
Sony 100-400 GM @ 400mm
ISO 160
f5.6
1/500 sec
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:
I very much like the heron and its rock, but I might show more water below and to the right of them and lose the bush in the ULC.
I like the lighting on the rock and heron, Gary. Good detail and pose, The branch complements the heron and gives the image some balance and I kind of like it. If you did remove it, then I’d probably add some to the bottom and right.
Thanks @Allen_Brooks for the feedback. I left the branches in to balance the overall shot. A different crop would have changed the feeling of the final image. I liked that the bird is looking into the space on the left.
1 Like
Excellent lighting, Gary. The right side does look a bit odd, but that’s the nature of the critter, so it doesn’t bother me. The upper left foliage balances the bird and rocks nicely, so I’m glad you included it.
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If possible, I would recommend showing all of the heron’s reflection, and maybe remove the branch. I think it might be worth a look.
Some really good comments above. It’s a great image.
I’m on the fence with the branch in the corner. I feel there are two images. I look at the heron and then the branch and I don’t feel the connection. There maybe another version just for comparison.
Nice catch Gary of this beautiful heron. One of my favorite birds. Nice versions you have given us to ponder. I think I prefer the original without the out of focus rocks in front and with the branches for framing, depth, and context.
For some reason, the original creates a peaceful mood and gives the scene some context and balance. I don’t think the foreground rocks add much and the heron’s reflection is too distorted, so I’d go with the original.
Another vote for the original image, Gary.
Sincerely, thank you all for the feedback and CC. It’s extremely valuable to me, and I don’t take it lightly.
Cheers!
Hi Gary
The repost looks better, my only nit is the piece of stone in the lower left.
Peter
