Relaxing on the Water

Image Critiques
1

20241218_084539_Z812114.jpg
20241218_084539_Z812114.jpg2048×1347 936 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)

Cackling and Canada Geese are quite numerous in the Pacific NW. The last two years have been particularly hard on the Cackling Geese. They seem very susceptible to the Avian Flu. Last year at the peak I would see dozens of dead and dying geese at my local hangout every day. It’s very hard to see them struggling to stand, shaking their heads…this year has been a little better, and seems to be past the peak now.

Anyway, this one was relaxing in the water and struck a nice pose in some wonderful light.

Specific Feedback

I have room above and below for a different crop. Do you think the bird should be positioned in the upper or lower half of the image? Just curious about positioning.

Any other comments appreciated too.

Technical Details

N ikon Z 8, 800mm, 1/2000 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 1250 (I was tracking birds landing in the water, hence the higher than needed shutter speed for this shot.)

Processed with DXO Photolab for Noise and Sharpening, all other processing in Capture One.

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2

I seem to struggle to get an interesting shot of geese, but you managed it nicely here, David. Good pose and pleasing light. The composition, with where the goose is positioned, works for me, as it appears to be eye level.

4

A very nice portrait, David. The bird looks completely relaxed-not a typical condition for these in my experience. I love the little water drops speckled over it.

5

@Allen_Brooks, @Sandy_Richards-Brown, and @Dennis_Plank thanks for the kind comments. Much appreciated.

Sandy, it was so difficult watching the sick birds…

Cheers,
David

6

Hi David, nice image. Love the soft light, the water drops and reflection. Interesting head and neck pose too. Well done.

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