How many swallows does it take to make a gulp?

Image Critiques
1

swallow 789.jpg
swallow 789.jpg7540×5636 1.6 MB

swallow 259abc copy.jpg
swallow 259abc copy.jpg7512×5448 1.72 MB

with head turn that’s slightly darker than the original. I think I like this one because of the head turn and the darker shade of orange on the neck. it is less saturated.

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

here’s another version with the head turn. This was taken from a boat. It’s not a big lake northeast of San Diego.

Specific Feedback

anything that counts

Technical Details

400 mm telephoto at f6.8, 2500th, Sony a1, hand held

Critique Template

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2

Interesting, David. We’ve had cliff Swallows for years, but I never really interpreted that collar as red. I do like the colors and pose in the second, but the first has better eye contact.

Maybe just burn that collar on the first a bit, something like this?

Davis S-swallow 789 copy
Davis S-swallow 789 copy7540×5636 1.6 MB

4

Fine detail, here, David and the background colors work well with the swallow.

5

Hi David
I think I would split the difference between the two photographs.
Great detail on these Swallows.
Peter

6

David,

Oh my - and from a boat and handheld? Outstanding.

Personally I like the head turn/position in the first post simply because the eye is more prominent. For me, it gets lost a bit in the second, turned version. I like Dennis’ edit.

Colors and processing are beautiful.

7

Thanks for your comments