Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Something of a standard portrait, but nonetheless I was delighted to finally see this dynamic species while I was scouting Guyana earlier this year. We lucked into a couple of fun sessions with these brilliant characters, though ultimately the environment proved to be muddled and challenging in terms of finding “clean” shots.
To me there’s a bit too much branch and trunk action here in the wrong place (and no, I don’t clone that stuff out), even though it was probably among the cleanest perch they used. On the plus side, I was grateful for the slight head turn, which shows that the facial crest actually splits into two (giving the bird sort of a walrus-like look when it stares straight at you). Hopefully I’ll get another chance with them when I return with a group next time.
For a first encounter, I’ll take it! Definitely a new Top Ten bird for me.
Specific Feedback
Beyond “get rid of the branches,” I welcome any other thoughts.
Technical Details
Canon R5
Canon 600mm
ISO 1000
1/13 (I had no idea I was shooting this slowly… maybe I was in the midst of trying motion blurs??)
f/4
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2 Likes
Interesting that you were scouting Guyana, Max. I was looking at it a month or so ago and noticed that there weren’t many tours or lodges despite a very nice bird list and an English speaking country.
As for this image, the only comments I have is that it feels very right side heavy and too tight on the bottom and right. Since you didn’t mention a crop, you might not have any more available canvas. The bird itself is gorgeous.
1 Like
Dennis, I suspect the right side heaviness is due in part to all the branches and the trunk, one reason the whole thing feels imperfect to me. In that sense I actually appreciate having the brighter bokeh on the left, because it at least offers some sort of visual, er… stimulant (a pattern) to offset all the action on the right, but nonetheless it still feels off.
Guyana is an interesting country. Very little in the way of tourism (they say Machu Picchu gets as many tourists in a day as Guyana gets in a year). They’ve been coming out of a dictatorship for a couple decades now, and yet tourism in general still feels like it’s in its infancy. It’s actually a very expensive country these days, especially now that they’re exploiting newfound oil reserves, which are bringing a lot of American workers in.
Good wildlife though, combined with far fewer people it makes for some fun experiences. I’m aiming to bring a group back in 2026, and there will be some places we’re going where we’re unlikely to see anyone else for a few days.
A stunning bird Max. Wonderful rendition of the colors. Given the branches, I think the image balances pretty well overall as you all discussed above.
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Cocks of the Rocks (?) are so interesting; you almost expect the bill to be tucked in behind the neck! I like how this species differs so much in color from the Andean one. A little bit of feather blur in front of the foot…really I’m just jealous you got to Guyana and saw this, Max. I know next time you’ll get an even better shot! Was this one in a lek?
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Mike, it was. Short walk through the forest, including wandering through and under some massive boulders, and suddenly we were there. It was very cool. Only saw one or two females.
Later in the trip we had another spot with loads of CotR action right near Guyana’s largest waterfall (which requires a charter flight to access). A really interesting experience.
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Thank you Max for giving us this Cock-of-the-rock. God does have a sense of humor.
Peter
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funny looking bird . Excellent detail and pose. I agree with Davis about the composition
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