Critique Style Requested: In-depth
The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
I like the sharpness and exposure of the image. I also like the background and the curled up wing tips.
Creative direction
I like to “freeze” flying birds. I also like to get a nice soft background.
Specific Feedback
Cropping, exposure and sharpness.
Technical Details
Canon 200-400 zoom with teleconverter engaged.
Canon 1DX Mk II
ISO 500
560mm
F/5.6
1/4000 sec
Description
There is a small urban lake in Fort Worth, Texas where I used to go frequently. Lots of waterfowl there. The lake is fairly small, so proximity to the birds is easier.
3 Likes
Excellent color and detail. The crop is a little tight, but I think it works. Nice to have a location where one can get close to the birds without frightening them. The 200 to 400 lens works very well for depth of field and bokeh
Nice work.
Wow, Jerry. The color and detail are outstanding as well as the angle you were able to catch him at. Well done.
I’ll add another WOW! This is gorgeous! As said, colors and detail are so nice, and the BG is perfect! Excellent camera work!
Beautiful, Jerry. Great flight shot and the colors are awesome.
A frozen instant of feathered nobility suspended in flight. The Northern Shoveler floats there like a winged treasure chest and the sheer detail in this frame deserves a quiet bow of appreciation. Each feather announces itself with almost ridiculous precision. The shimmering teal of the head melts into deep bottle green. The chest radiates a soft cream white. The wing coverts carry that beautifully muted blue grey. The speculum ignites in vivid emerald. The folded orange feet flash like tiny hazard signals. Every barb on the secondaries is countable. The bill carries that glossy lacquered finish. The yellow eye reads as a small bright dot of pure focus.
The background is melted into perfect creamy softness with nothing to steal attention from our star. The light is also doing such gentle and considered work. Soft enough to feel kind and yet beautifully directional. It sweeps across the wing feathers and reveals their architecture. It catches the bill with just the right kiss of shine and never tips into blown highlights. The bright tones stay disciplined. The shadows still whisper their secrets. This is the kind of light photographers burn offerings for.
