The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
At the beginning of the third morning in Yosemite Valley a few weeks ago we found ourselves on the banks of the Merced River at Valley view hoping to photograph El Capitan in the mist and rising light. While I was waiting for good conditions to appear, my son quietly called out to me to photograph the bird. At first I was very confused about what he was referring to. Then I saw it. This small bird, what I assume is a blackbird, perched itself on a rock in the middle of the river. I quickly swapped lenses from the 50mm to the 400mm and made this photo.
I consider this a landscape photo, rather than a wildlife photo, since the majority of the frame is filled with water and the river bank with its reflection as well as a rock and its reflection that just so happens to have a transient bird sitting on the rock. Although, the bird did stay there for most of the morning while we were there.
Specific Feedback
My son, at the time, was convinced this photograph would be “The One” from the whole trip. You have seen the majority of the photos from the trip that I felt were worthy, I still have some more coming down the pipeline, but based on what you have seen from this trip so far, so do you share the same sentiment as my son? I like the photo, but I’m on the fence about it being “The One”.
Technical Details
Nikon D850, Nikon 400mm f/5.6 MF, at f16, 0.4 sec, ISO 100
Processed in ACR and PS. Minimal processing.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
A photo so simple but so full of feelings, emotions. The small bird is lost in nothing, immersed in fog and around him only an axpance of water whose end cannot be seen. May be its my impression but I think I see it shrunken, perhaps scared and with ruffled feathers. For me it’s a beautiful photo. I think that your sun is quite right.
It may be a dipper. I can’t say that this is “The One” because I have not seen your others that you feel compete with it for “The One.” I can say, however, it should be in the running for that title. It is quite wonderful in its simplicity.
“The one”? The image has a nice peaceful feel to it, a strong subject and a “painted water colour” quality to the BG. I’m guessing it’s a unique photo compared to the others taken on the trip so I’d say yes, you’re son’s probably right.
Dippers are great birds to photograph, as they can perch like this beside rivers which give good reflections and light. But this shot is really good, because the water blends beautifully into the sky in the BG. It gives the impression that there may be a waterfall in the background. You managed a fine composition too, to tell a story of the lonely or thoughtful bird. I think your son has your same talented eye for the good subject, Youssef.
Oh wow!! This is simply gorgeous!! Wonderful composition of an amazing scene. This is such a unique image I can’t see comparing it to anything else but if I have to, I can’t see anything beating it.
Youssef, this is spectacular. While the bird (and it does look like a Dipper) gets the most attention, those “clouds??” and their reflections add a wonderful sense of mystery. I do suggest trying to burn-in slightly the brightest clouds near the top to see if that adds to the mystery…Isn’t digital process great because it’s nondestructive.
Hi Youssef,
While I have enjoyed the images you posted from your trip I have to say that I think your son is right; this is “The One”. I think you may have a budding photographer in the making. I find the cool blue tones to be quite lovely and I love the mottled BG as it adds an air of mystery to the scene. I could also see this with a crop from the top and bottom; not necessarily better; just another option. A twofer if you will. I hope you do not mind, but here is a rework with what I was thinking.
Beautiful. I like images of animals in the environment, and this setting is also full of mystery. A great find, your son has a good eye. Up to you and your son to decide about “The One”.
I prefer the original aspect ratio, no crop.
With a really successful trip I find it challenging to pick out one, but I love thiis one. If anyone ever wants to know what the rule of thirds is, you can just show them this; it works perfectly here. It’s also a really good example of using silhouette to enhance a subject.
This works well as a blue hour photo, but I was curious what it would look like with both color and luminosity contrasts opened up. I like the result, but to my eye the trade off is that the yellow starts to compete with the bird. With that said, it does enhance the silhouette. Just for the fun of it, here are two versions playing with adding an “auto” curves layer. The first is applied globally, and the second has a gradient applied that reduces the curve in the lower part of the image. Not suggested as improvements, but fun variations to compare.
Thank you all for your helpful feedback, and for inflating my son’s ego. He now thinks he is a pro , oh, and I am honored for the Editor’s Pick! Thank you.
, oh, and I am honored for the Editor’s Pick! Thank you.