The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The toads have been out and about for a couple of weeks now and I hear their elongated trills day and night as breeding season commences. No sightings though until today when my husband spied this one on the rock slope next to the house. What a lovely rusty brick shade this one is so I got out just below it with the long lens and sat with my elbows on higher rocks for this portrait.
Specific Feedback
Ok, so it could have more DOF, but I didn’t have the presence of mind to stop down which was pretty dumb. Maybe next time. Does it bug you too much? Lookit that face! LOL.
Lr for the square crop and to massage tonalities with some masks - the granite rocks are fairly bright and provided a nice reflection surface. Added some clarity just to our beauty here and reduced the foreground and background exposure. Removed a little distraction on the rock.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Cool of you to catch this! I’ve never seen a red toad – ours (as far as I’ve ever seen) are gray. I don’t mind the shallow DOF as the eyes and fingers are sharp. I think I’d prefer a crop from the top halfway down to the head or just a hair higher. The shapes there are lovely but puzzling, but clipping a little off the top solves that for me.
Kris: What a cool find and a face only a mother could love. He doesn’t look too happy. How big is this critter? I’m OK with the DOF and I agree with @Diane_Miller regarding a small crop from the top. Good choices and a fine result. >=))>
Hi Kris! Glad your husband spotted this guy! I like your shot. The DOF is just fine to me. And as you said, that face! He doesn’t exactly look happy. Must still be looking for that special someone. I do agree with Diane about cropping from the top. Nice capture!
Thanks @Diane_Miller, @Bill_Fach, @Steve_Kennedy & @glennie - toads definitely have resting b!tch face, but I know they are just easy-going little guys. This one is about 1 1/2 inches (maybe 4 cm) and is average size; we get a few that are double this one. Not all are this color, but there are usually some in the mix.
Took a slice off the top. Not sure why I was so sure about that square. Advice taken!
The depth of field doesn’t bother me too much since the eyes are so sharp, Kris. I could see enough more to put the front of the mouth in sharp focus to take this over the top. Hopefully you’ll have more.
The RP is perfect for me!! Our toads are obese things that would drape over the edges of my palm. (I say “would” because picking one up is pure speculation…)
Hi Kris, I like the re-crop and the sharp eyes and toes hold my attention. Cool subject. I occasionally see a red toad and it’s always a treat. Nice catch of this one.
Kris, I also like the re-crop of this lovely portrait! The DOF is perfect to my eye, because Mr Toad’s eyes are sharp. He really stands out against the soft nondescript background. He looks way bigger than the size you mention!
