Spring Surprise

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

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Spring Surprise

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

What a spring, swan surprise! I was finishing a walk with Finley, my border collie, as two trumpeter swans greeted us on tiny Snyder’s Lake around the corner from home. Thinking that they might still be around - enticed by the food offerings of the lake - I went home to get a camera.
Voila, I lucked out. I chose these panorama-like aspect ratios using the water lines to add interest and visual flow. What a display of nature’s wonders and beauty.

Specific Feedback

All feedback is appreciated. How does the composition work for you?

Technical Details

Nikon D500 with 200-500 mm f5.6 lens at f5.6 around 320 mm. Shutter speed 1250 -2000 second.

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

Both images are beautiful, Larry. I like the panoramic presentations, they really work well for the long wakes. The only thing I might suggest is that on the second image you play with emphasizing the parabola of ripples going forward from the swan as a counterpart of the wake behind it. I’m not sure of how to accomplish that, but if you can figure it out, I think it would make a fine image even better.

3

Thanks for your reply, Dennis. Yes, I see those ripples in front of the swan. I will have to experiment with TK9 to see what I can do. It looks difficult . Perhaps Sean Bagshaw’s luminosity painting might be an answer. I will try to follow your suggestion.

4

I like the panoramic effect, especially the second one, which nicely conveys a sense of motion. The water droplets on the second one adds some interest as well.

5

Nice pose in each image and I like the overall mood given in these. The compositions look good and I like the panoramic crop. The water drops in the second do add a good bit of interest.

6

Thanks @Allen_Sparks @Allen_Brooks @Dennis_Plank for your visit and comments. You have helped me to verify that the images mach my vision. Dennis, I tried to work on the brown water marks to highlight them more without effecting the surround . No luck so far. But the image is pretty satisfying as is. Thanks again, all.