Series of Geese - New Order

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

BolsaBrant.jpg
BolsaBrant.jpg2000×1415 941 KB

Bolsa Chica Brant

CosumnesWhiteFrontedGeese.jpg
CosumnesWhiteFrontedGeese.jpg2000×1326 927 KB

VenturaCanadaGoose.jpg
VenturaCanadaGoose.jpg2000×1331 840 KB

Ventura Canada Goose

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

This is a series of geese taken this year in a few different spots in California. The first from Cosumnes Wildlife Preserve near Sacramento, CA. The second is a Brant taken at the Bolsa Chica Preserve in Orange County, CA. The third is a Canada Goose taken close to home here in Ventura County, CA.

Specific Feedback

Lighting, details in darks and lights, aesthetics, reflections? Any and all comments and suggestions are welcomed.

Technical Details

All three were taken with Canon 7DMiii and 100-400 lens with 1.4 TC attached.

  1. f7.1, 1/2000 sec, iso 400, +1 EV, 309 mm
  2. f10, 1/2000 sec, iso 640, -0.7 EV, 560 mm
  3. f8, 1/2000 sec, iso 400, -0.7 EV, 328 mm

Critique Template

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2

Hi Ed, nice series on these geese. Exposure looks good in all three shots. I like the poses in the first shot with all giving us some form of eye contact. I was going to say a lower shooting angle would be nice but then I realized the foreground grasses would obstruct. A fun image and I like the inclusion of the brown vegetation in the water.
Second image looks good except the bird is angled away from us including the head. The third image gives us a nice view of the goose with the bird angle toward us and a good reflection.
Interesting series.

3

Nice look at all three species. I really like the first, though, as it seems to convey a sense of serenity.

4

A nice set of different species, Ed. I want to like the first, because the foreground goose looks like it has an attitude going, but unfortunately, it’s the least in-focus one of the group. I noticed that you also had the widest aperture for this shot of the three. Stopping down to f/13 or so might have given you a bitter shot at that large a group, though it’s always tough with a shot like this. In general, it works best to have the foreground critter in focus, particularly if it’s the one doing something interesting.

The Brant is a neat looking bird, but I wish it wasn’t facing slightly away from you. Otherwise the image is very nice.

Technically, the Canada Goose is the best of the three shots and I like it a lot, despite their being relatively common in my neck of the woods.

5

Thank you @Allen_Sparks, @Allen_Brooks, and @Dennis_Plank for your evaluation of these. I see what you’re saying about the front bird in the first group, now. . . it helps to have more eyes looking sometimes.