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Kristen_SmithJuly 11, 2024_1005404-Edit-Edit.jpg
Kristen_SmithJuly 11, 2024_1005404-Edit-Edit.jpg2500×1265 1.93 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

One more of the solitary Loon from last week. I love this one and not, simultaneously. Love because I got quite near it and it dove. Given the right circumstances, I can usually track them underwater using a combination of ripples and bubbles, so I knew roughly in which direction to point and I was close. It never did tilt its head more toward me though and that’s what frustrates me about this photo. But what the heck, it’s a Loon and with some iridescence in the collar and water on the beak.

Specific Feedback

Is it basically the one that got away, or does the blatant ‘ignore me doing this’ thing not bug you? It’s probably just me. I should be happy, right?

Technical Details

Handheld w/CPL to mitigate glare somewhat. Kayak wedged on a log for better stability. At least I think.

image

Started out with a Linear Profile in Lr to flatten the curve and see how those highlights really looked - a little clipped, but mostly recoverable. Cropped the far bank out, but nothing side to side. The usual adjustments for contrast, but still muted. Topzaz Sharpen AI for detail enhancement & noise reduction. Added vibrance & saturation & worked with masks to finesse those fine feathers. Photoshop for Gen Fill to expand the frame because I goofed a little in tracking. Added some texture & clarity & horizontal flip. Recropped for better framing.

Critique Template

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1 Like
2

A lovely close shot of the loon with lots to like about it between the blue on the neck, the red eye, and the water drops. I understand your frustration with no head turn-it does look like it’s deliberately ignoring you. But then the whole feel of looniness used in a literal sense is not a human friendly one. They go their own way and live as far from us as possible for the most part.

1 Like
3

Hi Kris, way too much to like about this photo for frustration. The head seems pretty much parallel to us which gives us a great look at that red eye and water falling from the beak. Fine exposure overall and I love seeing the blue on the lower neck. The water is really nice too with a low shooting angle on the bird. Well captured and processed. Wish it were mine.

1 Like
4

Kris - I don’t mind the lack of head-turn - the water drops, eye, and general pose/detail make up for it. Just the right shade of green/yellow BG

5

Thanks @Dennis_Plank, @Allen_Sparks & @Allen_Sparks - they are Loony aren’t they? So shy, but sometimes pretty blasé about human presence. I was fully prepared for this one to surface close because of our time together, and it did. Sometimes they pop up unexpectedly and scare the crap out of me. I think they do that on purpose. :laughing: