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Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

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Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I first posted this Great Blue Heron in a wide environment photograph of Rocky Neck State Park in April 2025. This photograph is in a different location in the park, and I thought I would post the close-up today.
Thank you for stopping by.
Peter

Specific Feedback

any

Technical Details

Z8, Nikon 180-600mm & 1.4ext, f9, 840mm, 1/1600, ISO 7200, and cropped by 40% in DXO PhotoLab 8. I use a retouch brush to remove many little white spots in the background.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
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1 Like
2

This is a fine image Peter! The pose is so typically “heron” . I love the grasses behind the bird. I love the colours and I am intrigued by the more orange reflections.

I like your composition but could see another version with a bit more head room?

3

You know I love GBH’s! This is really nice! Wonderful light and environment! The subtle colours work well.
This comp is interesting and I like it - but I also could see a vertical or even square crop. I’d want to keep those dark reds.
Great catch!

4

Lovely, peaceful scene Peter. Well presented. I like the subject placement with the bird looking out over the calm water. Details and exposure look good. I imagine there are many other alternatives in showing this scene but I do like this as presented.

5

This one is fine as presented, although it can be tempting to try other crops. Over, the image speaks of tranquility and the warmth of the surroundings helps reveal the grays of the heron nicely. A very nice image that resulted in a very pleasing comp…Jim

6

Hi Glenys, Sandy, Allen & Jim
Thank you for your kind work. This is a recrop in a square frame.
Peter
P.S. I liked the first framing because of the darkness in the upper frame of this post.

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7

Hi, Peter - I like the square crop - but not any more than your original. It’s a toss-up for me.
Fine work!

8

Hi Peter,

The GBHs are at the top of my list of favorite large birds!
The shooting angle on this one couldn’t be better in my opinion, and the exposure and colors are great!
I’m always impressed by your work!

Well done, and a real pleasure to view!

9

Hi Sandy & Mervin
Thank you for the kind words.
Peter

1 Like