Osprey threatening photographer. (Just kidding, she's taking off)

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

Best (369 of 5).jpg
Best (369 of 5).jpg1226×1250 2.03 MB

After edits based on feedback:

Osprey (365 of 1)
Osprey (365 of 1)1009×1029 988 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

This Osprey used to sit on a large pine on Nokomis Beach. It was my marker for the terminus of my outward walk on the beach every morning.
I say “used to” because hurricane Milton took the pine tree away.

Technical Details

Nikon Z9 with 100-400mm.

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2 Likes
2

Wonderful and unusual capture! Very threatening indeed – you’ve gotta take off before you can attack! The face says “ATTACK!” I think you could bring up the shadows/mids a bit to brighten the bird, but it’s quite dramatic as is!

3

Pieter, he is clearly telling you to go away! Excellent pose and head-on stare.
The bird might be brightened a fair amound to show feather detail and allow those bright yellow eyes to be visible. If you’re using PS, this is easy to accomplish. You can use Diane’s suggestion of the shadow/highlight sliders; or, an alternate way would be to “select subject” which will allow you to brighten or darken the subject. Then, you can also then “invert” and slightly darken the BG (just a touch, so you don’t get halos). Then I bet the bird would really pop. Be sure to look at the edges of the image closely a - the selection tool doesn’t always get into places - that area of the “V” between the tail feathers would still have a triangle area that will need a bit of help
I’m away for a couple weeks with only the laptop, or I’d try these ideas and post my attempts, as an example. .
Fine image!

1 Like
4

Great advice from Sandy and Diane to bring this fine shot up to top level, Pieter. I’m most scared of those talons. I hope you continue to see the osprey well in future without that tree.

1 Like
5

A wonderful pose and this type of photo poses some problems that the other viewers have mentioned. Larger views reveal some noise in the shadowed areas and the head region needs some select sharpening. The eyes are somewhat soft when viewed at the largest size. The Z9 has a very ideal noise profile and noise can reduced without destroying essential detail. The Shadows and Highlights feature in PS works very well, and he image will need to have a final boost in contrast and brightness to finish it up. I can’t wait for the Re-Post…Jim

1 Like
6

Yes, Osprey talons are amazing. They look like they could pick up a basketball with one foot.

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7

Quite the dramatic pose you captured; I can see why it was a year-end favorite. Happy Holidays!

1 Like
8

And puncture the ball in one fell swoop! :scream:

1 Like
9

What a great perspective and pose here Pieter. I love this in your face image, nicely handled lighting too.

1 Like
10

Thank you, Diane, I will give that a go!

11

Thank you, Ed! I appreciate your kind words!

12

Thank you, Bill. They have been observed catching two sizable fish at the same time, one in each claw.

13

Thank you, John. Happy holidays to your as well!

1 Like
14

Thank you, Jim. I will certainly work to implement your excellent suggestions!

15

Thank you, Mike! I do still see the osprey, but I have not yet discovered its new lookout perch.

16

Thank you, Sandy. I will certainly play with your (and others’) suggestions.

17

May thanks for all your excellent suggestions!