Highland Cattle

Critique Style: Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive

About This Image

Not quite sure of the tags I should have used for the cows. Certainly not “wildlife” but are they “non-nature”?

We camped on a small farm not far from home. The farm had lots of goats and two cows. And photographing the two cows proved more difficult than I imagined. Cute, cuddly, and almost too friendly.

Feedback Requested

Any comments are always welcomed and appreciated.

Technical Details

First image: ISO 1600 150-600@600mm f6.3 1/2000
Second Image: ISO 1600 150-600@430mm f8 1/2500

Both processed with basic ACR and PS.

Nice cows Glenys, (a long way from home!).

The first image is quite striking and the contrast of the colours between the cow and the background really help it to stand out. At first I wasn’t sure about the tree trunk, but then I realised that it maybe scratching against it so it might look odd if it were removed.

The background has a dreaminess about it but I’m not sure if it’s maybe a little too much, has this been “changed” in post?

But overall it looks really good.

Thanktiy @Ryan_H ! Yes. The background was changed in post. The trees to the left of the cow were stark white gums. Even though they are nearly always white-trunked I thought they pulled my eye a little. They have been cloned over with soft opacity brush and curve layers. Also the dark tree to the left has also been softened because of its darkness. There was also a very light linear gradient from the top down with the cow isolated. It was foggy to start.

Glenys, very nice photo. I really like the composition and the contrast of the color of the cow and the background. I kind of like the dreaminess of the background that Ryan referred to​:grinning_face:

I like both images, Glennie. Rather an odd breed for Australia, but it sounds like a hobby farm. The cow’s pose in the first is really nice and fits the proportions of the frame well. I just love the portrait image-no nits at all on that one!

The old “Everything Else” got turned into “non-nature” in the latest conversion. I think we may need to create a couple more tags for domestic animals and people. So here’s a ping to @David_Kingham on that subject.

Thankyou @Dennis_Plank ! Yes, certianly hobby farm. Not our usual cup of tea, but neighbours raved over it. Saved by the cows!

Once more - it’s all about the light! …and mist

Fantastic again

Huw