The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
In Jawai, a village in Western India, leopards coexist remarkably close to human habitation. These elusive big cats are often spotted roaming the outskirts, blending into the rocky landscape while navigating fields and farms. The unique relationship between the villagers and leopards reflects a delicate balance, where both sides adapt to one another’s presence.
This is excellent Sandipan. It looks like the leopard is in a fortress of rocks. I hope you don’t mind, but I edited it just a touch. I selected the leopard and the nearby alcove it was in and lightened the levels, then I applied a 17% circular gradient from the center of the leopard to very slightly darken the outer corners. Let me know what you think. I think it places a bit more emphasis on the leopard, while keeping the feeling of the rock fortress.
Hi Ed, Many thanks for your feedback. I like your edit that’s done very subtly and emphasizes the leopard, but still retaining the setting. Originally, I was inclined towards showing the animal’s camouflage with the environment, and how it blends seamlessly with the habitat. That’s the reason I refrained from cropping it too much. However, I think your version is nuanced and works well too. Thanks again.
Very interesting image, which can be processed in so many different ways.
I may crop off the green bush at the bottom, since I’m not a big fan of cloning, also slight crop off on LHS, while retaining the curve of lower rock. I may burn the rock behind the leopard slightly to make leopard stand out.
Sandipan, what a cool landscape. I like your processing (light/color) as-is, but I do think this could be cropped tighter on the bottom and right to eliminate all the vegetation without making the leopard’s position in the frame too awkward. The resulting image would be free and clear of distractions then.
Hello Sandipan, your intention of showing camouflage with this photo indeed worked very well. I had to look twice at first. I do agree that the green grass at the bottom distracts and the photo would be even made more beautiful by cropping this bit of. Love the photo and the space you give to the animal!
