The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I was preparing an article for our camera club newsletter on the joys of revisiting old images using new techniques and software. I used another bird (Sage Sparrow) from the same day I got over 1700 images of the grouse lek (after culling). The lek images were all under pretty poor light, particularly for the camera and 2015 software, so I couldn’t resist using new software and a few tricks I’ve picked up over the last nine years to reprocess a few. I liked this side view the best as it really shows off that tail and the chest.
Specific Feedback
How’s the crop on this one? I decided to go with a square crop which tended to limit where I put the bird.
Technical Details
Canon 7DII, 500 mm f/4 + 2.0 TC, beanbag on truck window, f/8, 1/1250, iso 1250. I believe with this setup I had to manual focus. I was still using aperture priority at the time and had +1/3 EV compensation. Processed in DxO Pureraw4 for noise reduction and lens correction, PS & LR CC for further processing. A fair number of global and local adjustments and some bright foreground grasses and twigs removed. Cropped to 2354 pixels square. Taken at 7:36 a.m. on March 21st, 2015.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Dennis: I like the profile as it shows the wing feather in great detail, The whites are very well controlled, I think you might consider either a vignette or a linear gradient applied to the btight background. Amazing how those ancient cameras could actually capture Fine photos.
Excellent image! The colours, detail, and side pose with a bit of a head turn, are all perfect. The muted colours with that touch of yellow work well. That little bit of weed along the back is something I personally would get rid of, but it’s your image!
I’m fine with the crop.
I especially appreciate this, since I didn’t get any really decent shots of grouse while in Colorado.
What a great shot of the grouse. Really like the contrast between the blacks and whites-everything seems to pop. Like the habitat aspect as well. The newer processing techniques are sure helpful, but I suspect this was a pretty darn good image to begin with.
Both images are very nice. The patterns in the grouse’s feathers provide a lot of interest for the viewer. Square crop works well and the sage sprig on the back was never noticed until Sandy mentioned it. Repost is nit-free. Awesome…Jim
The side shot really does show him off. I like how his head is slightly turned towards you. Sandy is right, this is an excellent image. The BG shows him off. And the repost is even better. Thanks
What really stands out to me here, Dennis, is how this image captures the Sage Grouse in a way that emphasizes its unique form and display. The angle you chose really lets that impressive tail fan and the puffed chest take center stage, making this one feel more dynamic than your typical lek shot.
What I like most is how this shot communicates the power of the grouse’s display. You’ve really brought out the character and story of the bird in its environment, despite the lighting challenges. Nice one!
This is an absolutely beautiful image. For me it is the perfect marriage with the intensity of image blur, mixed with the image blur color, blending into the foreground.
It takes away the fact there was a camera taking the image in the first place
