Merlin guarding the nest.

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

462A1402V1-SharpenAI-focus.jpeg
462A1402V1-SharpenAI-focus.jpeg1173×892 1.37 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Learned of a pair of merlin nesting in a backyard in camera range from a car. Watched this one for over an hour, but in never presented itself where I could get a full body view. Could hear the second bird but never saw it.

Specific Feedback

Would a tighter crop work better? Is the washed-out sky distracting.

Technical Details

Canon R7, RF 600mm F-11 hand held from car. Braced on car window.
1/800 ISO 2500

Sky was blank, bird was in shadows

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:
2

A very nice head turn and I do not mind the high key sky–just my personal bias showing. There’s some blue fringing showing which can happen with certain types of lenses and lighting conditions. It can be fixed in LR or PS. Whenever you boost up the shadows, this may cause a loss of overall contrast and especially micro-contrast too. I would go back to the raw shot and do less noise reduction. Some areas of the head lack features and some of the feathers look waxy. Then carefully bump up the brightness of those heavily shadowed areas followed with micro-contrast enhancement. Finish it off with an increase in brightness & contrast which will make the merlin stand out better. I like the comp and wouldn’t worry about the sky. …Jim

3

Nice find and a good documentary shot. Hopefully they’ll give you some more opportunities as the summer progresses. I don’t know about others, but I’ve only had one encounter with a Merlin and that was quite a few years ago now, so I appreciate seeing on. @Jim_Zablotny gave you some great advice on the processing and I really don’t have anything to add to what he said.

4

Hi John, a great opportunity with this merlin. They are rare and sought after birds whenever seen in my area. Great advice given above by Jim and I don’t have anything to add. I’m fine with the sky too. Nice pose you caught with a good look at the head.