Ospreys

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

-20250415-_SA13723-Glacial-DxO_DeepPRIME 3-Edit.jpg
-20250415-_SA13723-Glacial-DxO_DeepPRIME 3-Edit.jpg2048×1365 878 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I’m not sure what was going on in this encounter. One Osprey came in and landed on an unused platform, left for a short time and came back and shortly after another Osprey came in, there was a small stand-off and the first Osprey left followed shortly by the second. Nonetheless, it offered some fun photo ops.

Specific Feedback

The sky was very dark in this image to avoid blowing the whites. I brought it up as best I could, but I’m not sure about the looks even now.

Technical Details

Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 840 mm, hand held, f/9, 1/4000, iso 1000. Pre-processed in DxO PureRaw 5, processed in LR & PS CC. Small Crop, brought up the sky, the shadows in the Ospreys and tried to control the highlights. Used the point color tool in LR to tame the dark sky. Taken this morning while surveying Purple Martin boxes on a local preserve.

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:
1 Like
2

Odd encounter but you took good advantage of it – excellent sharpness and detail on both. The whites look good and I can’t see any evidence you messed with the sky. I can usually use Selective Color to tweak skies without needing to mask the subject – unless it’s a Bluejay.

3

Dennis, what a capture! I find the image so interesting. I wish I could caption it but the birds are in such positions it makes me wonder what’s going on. I can’t look away. :eyes: That shot and editing look good to me. Congrats on an interesting thought provoking image.

4

Fascinating behavior. I love it when a photo leaves me wanting to know more. Sky looks great and I love the sharp detail on the birds. Nice catch!

5

Dennis: very good capture of the action with both birds sharp and showing good detail. I see no issues with the sky. It’s a very interesting encounter and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

6

Excellent capture of the pair. Sky looks pretty natural to my eye.

7

The image stopped me while scrolling. And I was not scrolling fast of course, given everything there is to see here.
What a luck you had to watch this from so close by. I feel happy watching one of these beautiful birds fly by, usually from afar. Your tweaks are not ‘visible’. Nice shooting and excellent processing.

8

Hi Dennis
You did good job on the whites and feather detail. It’s not often you get two Osprey this close to each other.
Nice work.
Peter

9

Thanks for all the kind comments @Peter_Morrissey @Richard_Sandor @xavier1 @Allen_Brooks @christinedorresteinphotography @Steve_Diephuis. They’re much appreciated.

1 Like