Snow Cap + Edit - opinions?

Image Critiques Wildlife Critiques
1

Edit:

RB_03134-2 copy 4XN copy2NBXXX
RB_03134-2 copy 4XN copy2NBXXX2018×1397 1.07 MB

original:

RB_03134-2 copy 4XN copy2NBXX
RB_03134-2 copy 4XN copy2NBXX2018×1397 1.09 MB

5 degrees

SRB copy 2XNB
SRB copy 2XNB2034×2264 889 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

baby Japanese Macaque - about the size of a housecat and adorable! It was great fun watching them run around, tease the adults, and hassle with each other.
“Snow Monkey”
Jigokudani Park, Nagano, Japan
Just back from 3 weeks in Japan. Great pix, despite poor, cloudy/misty light, but the trip half-killed me. Hiking around in 3 degree snow, with a 25# backpack, plus 20 extra pounds of snowsuit, Sorels with chains, heated sox/gloves/hat/neckwarmer/thermals , all with batteries, nearly did me and my (very) bad back in. The path to the monkey springs alone is 1.6 km, mostly uphill. aacckk

Specific Feedback

comments and suggestions always welcome

Technical Details

Sony A1
Date Taken: 2025-02-20 20:42:56
Exposure Time: 1/1600 sec
F Number: f/10
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 4000
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV (Zebras)
Lens Model: FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 122mm

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:
2

Sounds like a wonderful trip Sandy! This image is absolutely top notch! It’s just beautiful. You have captured an intimate part of the snow monkey’s day. Sharp and well exposed, DOF good.

My only nit-worthy suggestions would be to very slightly lighten the monkey’s face, particularly eyes and perhaps tone down the brighter white on the LHS snow and the very bright snow flake on his nose. I wonder if there is another version with the image flipped horizontal. Only because we read from left to right and you would read right into his eyes coming from the left.

I hope you have a few more of these!

3

Thanks, @glennie - flipped, edited, and re-posted.
I think I like this, but am unsure. I’d be interested in the opinions of others.
And yes, lots more images to come!

4

A beautiful shot, Sandy. I prefer the original with monkey looking to the right (but then I’m left-handed!). My only tiny suggestion would be a bit more ground at the bottom. I love the bathers in the background too. I hope you had a similar onsen soak after this expedition!

5

No thanks - No public baths for me!
I prefer the private bathtub in the room. :flushed:

1 Like
6

Beautiful image very nicely executed !
I really like the line of snow, underlining the monkey and small patch of snow on the head looks bit comical.