Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The Moose Rule on the Trail of the Couer d’alene! We see them a lot when we get the chance to bike this trail, and it’s always a thrill. For some crazy reason I had my Sony 100-400mm lens with my A7rIII in my bike pack with a 1.4 teleconverter on it. Not the best shot - it’s quite soft & even a bit blurry - but it attests to the shakiness we were all feeling watching this mother & her babe. They were definitely staring us down, and we didn’t linger.
But in reference to the Challenge, these animals are accustomed to humans and bicycles and largely pay them no mind. The presence of this trail (established on an old railroad grade), & its popularity with humans, has actually served to protect the wildlife habitat as it has become a Superfund site to clean up terrible mining aftermath. The Trail is on a river and lake - riparian and all kinds of wildlife live an abundant life, even in spite of constant human presence.
Specific Feedback
Well it was certainly a moment, and like I said not the greatest quality image. Anything I can do to salvage it?
Technical Details
Sony A7RIII , 560mm, f8, 1/1600, ISO 12800
I think this image well and truly fits the bill Connie. It must have been wonderful experience, although I can appreciate your apprehension. It’s amazing how quiet animals can become in the presence of us.
I love seeing the trail with the push bikes and both moose are giving you a good look over. There are a few things that I would consider changing, like cropping a lot off the bottom and the RHS, Desaturating greens and yellows just a tad and desturating the bike riders a tad…at least the red and take out the white signs? on the left near the people. Unfortunately, I think the “shakiness” will stay.
Connie, given the well known unpredictability and orneriness of Moose (especially a mother with calf), I think the two folks at the back are too close… Your apprehension is also warrented given that both animals are giving you their total attention. This picture definitely tells a good story.
Wow, some GREAT ideas Glenys! Thanks for taking the time. I’ll have a play with it. -Connie
Thank you Mark. Minutes after this shot, those two folks got impatient with waiting for the moose to move & started shouting at them. We turned tail & rode away quickly. It’s amazing to me how disconnected people in general are from the natural world, that they think wild animals are there for their enjoyment (pet them, feed them, & uh, take pictures of them…), with NO idea how at risk they are. Happens a LOT in Yellowstone.
I don’t think you can do much about the soft focus, Connie. You might get more impact with a bit of a crop from the bottom and right but that also might emphasize the softness-you’d have to try it to see. It’s still a wonderful documentary image.
2 Likes
