# Just taking a minute. **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** birds\ **Created:** [July 25, 2025, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546 "2025-07-25T21:22:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/1 "2025-07-25T21:22:08Z")
![DSC_0781_DxO-1.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/9/c/9c24a64760ba3b477f556d10908d8b0513291aa3.jpeg) > **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 Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas. - Vision and Purpose: - Conceptual: - Emotional Impact and Mood: - Composition: - Balance and Visual Weight: - Depth and Dimension: - Color: - Lighting: - Processing: - Technical: ---
**Author:** ![Glenys\_Passier](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/glenys_passier/32/33963_2.png) [@Glenys\_Passier](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Glenys_Passier)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 11:34pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/2 "2025-07-25T23:34:32Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Sparks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_sparks/32/63507_2.png) [@Allen\_Sparks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Sparks)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 9:58am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/4 "2025-07-26T09:58:03Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 11:16am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/5 "2025-07-26T11:16:43Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 1:30pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/6 "2025-07-26T13:30:55Z")
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. ![DSC_0781_1_DxO](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/0/3/03566eb560c48953cfe141a7a48e1bf069272cd1.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Merv](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/merv/32/50395_2.png) [@Merv](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Merv)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2025, 6:36pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/8 "2025-07-27T18:36:31Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2025, 7:04pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/9 "2025-07-27T19:04:55Z")
Hi Sandy & Mervin Thank you for the kind words. Peter ---
**Author:** ![David\_Schoen](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/david_schoen/32/368_2.png) [@David\_Schoen](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/David_Schoen)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 4:13am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/10 "2025-07-28T04:13:20Z")
This is a nice peaceful image. You’ve done a good job in presenting the environment and the depth of the field works very well. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/just-taking-a-minute/47546/11 "2025-07-28T18:19:46Z")
Thank you david for the comment. Peter