I love the intensity of a loon searching for fish from the surface before diving after their catch. I also hoped to capture the small wave it produces as it swims that implies motion to the otherwise static image.
Feedback Requests
Wondering if the image is too abstract, though I think that is its strength. But I also wonder if some viewers will not recognize this as a water bird. Also would like feedback on if the crop may be a bit tight.
Pertinent Technical Details
Shot in summer with Sony a7r V and 100-400 4.5-5.6 lens. Taken from a kayak with the shoreline in shadow, hoping to get a low-key image. The RAW file has no really vibrant color, I dropped it to monochrome in LRC, did a bit of sharpening in DXO.
Thomas, I love the graphic quality of the image and the tones. I do wish there was one small part that identified it as a bird–eyes or beak. I would have no idea what it is without the title. I think the crop is fine. It definitely drew my attention.
Thomas, this is an amazing image. As stated, it’s hard to know exactly what it is. But at the same time that mystery can be seen as a real positive too. In fact, this could almost be taken for a swimmer face down with a black head cap wearing an aero-hydro-dynamic body suit and exposed shoulders…
Cool shot! Excellent BW detail and exposure speed. I love the graphic quality and the ambiguity of not being able to readily tell what the subject is. I like the crop, but might suggest to symmetrical, with the same amount of water/background on the left and right sides.
Thomas, you’ve emphasized the graphic quality in this view very well. Having seen (and loved) Loons in action, I immediately recognized the subject. Getting the bow wave sharp is a great extra. Crop looks fine to me.
Hi @thomas8,
I love this and, like you, I see the abstract quality as its strength. Whether the species is correctly identified or not is unimportant to the impact of the image, in my opinion. Is it a bird? An Olympic swimmer with a fancy suit and cap? Batman? A loon? Cool. Anyway you look at it, it’s a creature in its element looking stealthy and powerful.
As for the crop, in general it’s not too tight, but the left side feels tighter than the right, and I tend to fixate on such things. Perhaps it adds an edginess (pun intended), but I would play with that a few millimeters at a time and see what you think,
ML
Thomas: Like the others I think this is fantastic. In this small web presentation it may be hard to know what the subject is but there is definite feather detail that would be much more evident in a larger image. Superb comp, capture and final result. >=))>
So grateful for this commentary, thanks. I will review the crop and make it better. Thanks for your supportive words regarding the abstract quality, I am searching for interesting ways to present wildlife.
Thanks for the feedback, Dave. I take your point about seeing a bit more of this loon’s head, I had hoped to capture it that way too. Glad it drew your eye, thanks for posting your thoughts.
Thomas this is a very fine image. I don’t think we need to spell out every aspect of a subject to viewers. The concealed face adds a a story element to the image. I knew it was a loon right away as the body markings are so distinctive. Great shot.
Thomas, spectacular image with an excellent point of view. Being on the water and having the ability to get close enough with the lens is awesome. There is a ton of detail in this image and it so crisp and sharp. I’m waiting for its head to come up out of the water. I really like the dark background with the light on the feathers and waters with just slight movement. Magnificent image!!
