Solitary Sandpiper--No Way

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I was walking on the boardwalk at Howard Marsh in Lucas County, Ohio and was confronted by a curious, medium sized shorebird. Wow, this has to a solitary sandpiper perched on the railing of the boardwalk. And I went home with a smug feeling of satisfaction that I captured something more than ordinary. As it turned out, this is a lesser yellowlegs and my satisfaction waned slightly. But, it is still a very interesting photo of a common shorebird doing something that is not expected.

Technical Details

Z9 6090mm f4, Topaz DeNoise AI, crop, levels, Shadoed and Highlights, Brightness & Contrast…Jim

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What a beautiful portrait! The back of the bird looks like a patchwork quilt. I do think the actual railing is too bright and I would consider cropping most of the railing out, perhaps using a different aspect ratio, to really show off the wonderful background. Very nice!

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Nice portrait of this shorebird, Jim. I am puzzled by the image in one respect. The in-focus zone moves down and to the left through the image and I’m trying to figure out how that could happen? Is the surface of the rail slanted?

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Beautiful portrait of this bird, Jim. I agree with @Robena.Sirett that the brightness of the railing could somehow be toned down, but that’s easily done. The importance is the sharp detail in the bird.

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Funny, one of the only shorebirds like this I’ve ever photographed is a Solitary sandpiper. Really bad light, but I tried. This is much nicer even if it is a yellow legs. Super smooth background sets it apart so well, but I agree you could darken the post a bit. What a sweet catch.

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Hi Jim, nice catch and I like the pose and BG. Nice to get all the bird sharp. Nice detail in the shadows on the bird. Agree the railing could be darkened but this is still a fine image as is in my eye. Well done.

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Good look at the yellowlegs against a pleasing background. I could see a crop off the bottom and left. Nice capture; I know the frustration of thinking you’ve photographed a rarity, only to be proven wrong.

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