"Peaceful Stroll"

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Reworked Image

Common-Gallinule-v2
Common-Gallinule-v23159Ă—2527 1.85 MB

Common Galimule.jpg
Common Galimule.jpg1960Ă—1568 795 KB

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

Reflections and the splash are interesting and I believe successful. I am not sure about the crop and the busy background and relative reflections. Not sure how to improve.

Creative direction

I tried to capture the beauty and serenity of the scene and the peaceful atmosphere and the cool wind blowing. I am not sure if it is too busy or if it is appealing.

Specific Feedback

Overall appeal
Technical aptitude
Suggestions for improvement

Technical Details

1/500sec at f/10 OEV
Aperture priority
Pattern
ISO 720
495 mm
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-2.0X
2/12/2025 6:25:06 AM
NIKON Z 8

Description

This photograph was taken on February 12, 2025 @ 9:25 am at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach, Florida. The Common gallinule was wading in the shallow stream/bog. I was attracted by the waves created by the “stroll” and the reflections in the water.

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2

I like the ripples and the action of the gallinule a lot, Ray. The light reflecting off the water to light up the bird worked a bit too well in my opinion, and I’d think about bringing down the brightness of the bird a bit as it ended up with almost a flashed look from the way the light hit it.

The image doesn’t feel too busy to me, though all the reflected green might be distracting to some-bringing down the brightest greens could control that. If you’re working in LR & PS for processing, the Point color tool in the Color Mixer in LR is a wonderful tool for controlling that sort of thing.

A very nice image of an interesting bird.

3

Nice shot of a bird in its habitat. The cool thing is it sort of blends in to the surroundings. And habitats are busy…I like the ripples in the water too. Nicely seen.

5

Thank you, Dennis, I appreciate your insights. I will try to make the improvements you suggested.

Thank you David, I appreciate your input.

Thank you, Sandy, I will try to desaturate and darken. Another post suggested reducing the intensity of the green leaf reflection. I will try that also.

7

Thank you, Sandy, I will try to desaturate and darken. Another post suggested reducing the intensity of the green leaf reflection. I will try that also.

8

Hi Ray, nice pose you caught and I like the water ripples. Subject is well placed in the frame. Good advice above and your repost looks like a fine improvement IMO.

9

Thank you Allen, I appreciate all the help. I am more pleased with the results.