On Tip-Toes

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

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Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

On a VERY hazy morning at Baylands Preserve in Palo Alto, I surprised this beautiful pheasant, who gave me some nice poses. He even left a tail feather for me after he flapped, which is still in my den in my feather collection.

Specific Feedback

too centered?

Technical Details

Nikon D 850
500mm
Software: DxO PureRAW 4
Exposure Time: 1/125 sec
F Number: f/8
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 500
Exposure Program: Aperture priority
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

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

With that tail, you have to more or less center the bird, Sandy, so it doesn’t bother me. I like the flapping image with those blurred wings a lot. I don’t know if the slight hazy look to the head and body are a result of motion or the wings, but I wonder if a bit of dehaze brushed over those areas would make them look more spectacular?

The nicely posed version has excellent image quality, but not the charisma of the flap.

3

Like Dennis, I think the wing flap is the winner here. The pose has brought a smile. He’s not too in the middle because of his tail.

I might consider removing the brighter spot on the small branch to the right of the bird.

The second image shows the glorious nature of the bird. And again, no other place to put the subject but in the middle.

I’m also a collector of stray feathers.

4

The centered composition works well, Sandy. I’ll go with the first image as well; I like the wing action you captured. The second image shows great colors and detail.

5

A lovely find but it looks like something has gone wrong with the processing, as the contrast is very low with flattened tonal range especially noticeable in the darks, with ensuing loss of detail. Same issue in the neck and head, with the reds and greens very tonally flat. The reds look forced but with no detail.