# Insights **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** editors-pick, wildlife\ **Created:** [February 24, 2026, 8:04pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/insights/49912 "2026-02-24T20:04:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Michael\_Mayer](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Michael\_Mayer](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Michael_Mayer)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2026, 8:04pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/insights/49912/1 "2026-02-24T20:04:16Z")
![DSC07572_04.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/b/9/b98102fe05cb72882e1670b44217c5501094eac3.jpeg) > **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_ > > The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image. ### Description I am always looking for new opportunities. New surprises. On this morning 2 weeks ago at 7:30, I was toying with 1/100 SS to get a new look. I lost so many awesome shots of birds (bleak), but then a herd of zebra happened upon me. I took multiple shots with some epic misty ones but too much interference of grasses and twigs. As I walked against their movement, I found this small tree with a branched window effect. This is the one shot that came out in focus. Not quite sure if it would have been the same at say 1/500 SS. It certainly seemed to capture loads of light at 1/100 - Handheld so got super lucky with in-focus. Not sure who was looking at who? I find it simply lovely ### Specific Feedback To make it pop, I used multiple modules masking different aspects of the image to enhance colour and contrast. I originally had BG strongly coloured but then removed that and flattened it. Trying not to overdo BG, to keep it softer and flatter. BG is close to the subject, so I tried to not overdo it. I did not delete any elements (I try not if at all possible - just a personal preference). I applied a vignette (also not a norm for me, but seemed very applicable here), and a second vignette in the lower left and lower right corners to soften the highlights and reduce distraction there. I tried to create a separation of the head and neck versus the body of the zebra, but failed to get a gentle change, so undid that. Then felt I was overdoing the whole thing, that the B&W zebra contrasted to the late summer colours so naturally and should not be overworked. But it has been worked at that is for sure. I leave the feedback door wide open ### Technical Details I tried to upload a compilation of steps I took. I will try after posting. 11-Feb-2026 07:28:21, 1 /100 f/7.1 218.0 mm 400 ISO Sony a6700 with Sony 200-600 lens ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Mayer](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Michael\_Mayer](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Michael_Mayer)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2026, 8:08pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/insights/49912/2 "2026-02-24T20:08:38Z")
![Edits compiled 5 (Custom) (2)](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/d/e/de82005b72964156f115f90296b9e8de7a6f4763.jpeg) this is a compilation of the modules and steps I took. Not quite as ordered, but what i covered in all. Edited in DarkTable ---
**Author:** ![Ryan\_H](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/ryan_h/32/60971_2.png) [@Ryan\_H](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ryan_H)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2026, 7:12am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/insights/49912/3 "2026-02-25T07:12:21Z")
Hi Michael, It’s a nice shot with a clever natural frame. It makes a good portrait. Yes it can help to enhance a portrait by adding a bit of separation between the subject and the background and I think that it has worked here. The natural black & white of the zebra also gives a very obvious contrast with the background and in my opinion works very well. If you are able to, I would consider maybe taking out a little of the foreground foliage covering the zebras body, for me that is a little distracting. You say that a picture shouldn’t be overworked. You are absolutely right. I try to always remember that “less is more”. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Mayer](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Michael\_Mayer](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Michael_Mayer)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2026, 8:24pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/insights/49912/4 "2026-02-25T20:24:55Z")
Thanks Ryan, you are right about the foreground foliage. I included part of it in a subject mask, so it received some of the same subject treatment. I should have separated it - when i saw it I was like, shoot! I was worried the framing might feel over-stylised, but I’m pleased the natural contrast and separation read well. Thanks again