The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I finally got in a winter session at a local pond known for Wood Ducks and assorted other species this past Friday. Here are some shots of Wood Duck Drakes.
Specific Feedback
I’m interested in which shot(s) you prefer and why.
Technical Details
All images taken with Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC, mostly at 840 mm. Monopod, f/9, assorted isos and shutter speeds as the light got better. All images preprocessed in DxO PureRaw 5 with further processing in LR & PS CC.
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:
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All great shots, Dennis, and hard to chose between them. In the first one, I can’t get the fuzzy hair on the side of the head out of my mind and it gives it a soft look, though I know it’s not. I do like the head on view though. The second and third are similar, though the second is more eye level. I like the green water on the second complementing the head and the golden lit water in the third complementing the chest. I’ll go with the fourth-it’s a great portrait and I like the movement of the crest and the apparent shake of the head and the water droplets. It has a more dynamic feel than the others. All look tack sharp; well done.
I like them all as they all show great color and detail, but I prefer the headshot. The features I like in the headshot are the overall sharpness, the fact that he is looking at you, the drops which imply motion and the tuffs in the back of his head.
A nice group of shots of this gorgeous Wood Duck. Excellent reflections and wonderful details and color in the ducks. Don’t make me pick! I would be thrilled if they were mine.
A very nice series and am glad to see that there is some unfrozen water for ducks. I like the first and last which are very strong compositions. The golden water version does catch my eye with the nice array of colors present in the image. A little more room on the right and it would get top billing from me. Well done…Jim
Dennis: Pretty fantastic all. I do like the classic comp of #2 with the head on shot of #1 coming in second for me. I’m going to expose my avian ignorance here, but is this all the same gent or different individuals? From the title and description I’m thinking they are different but it’s hard to tell. If they are different, is that typical of this species to be so closely resembling? >=))>
Yeah, Bill, they’re pretty hard to tell apart. Unless there’s a plumage oddity that tends to be true for a lot of birds. I’ve had juncos with odd markings now and then and I suspect a careful examination would show differences in these. The two side-on shots are the same individual, I think, but there were quite a few of them around.
HI Dennis, my faves are the second and last. Love seeing that red eye so well in the second along with the great body colors seen in profile. The last shot for the close up details with the splashing water. Great session well captured in all these images.
My favorite is the portrait - it seems to show some real character in the bird and it’s so well lit. Second for me is Golden Water, with the fine reflection. We “only” have Mandarin Ducks - I envy you these beauties.
