Stilt plus Killdeer

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Black-necked Stilt.jpg
Black-necked Stilt.jpg1705×1200 850 KB

Killdeer 5.jpg
Killdeer 5.jpg1261×1200 721 KB

Killdeer 6.jpg
Killdeer 6.jpg1315×1200 678 KB

Killdeer 7.jpg
Killdeer 7.jpg1800×1200 947 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I went back to the state park pond yesterday. It is turning more and more into a mud hole rather than a true pond. This is attracting shorebirds and other waders. Saw black-necked stilts and killdeer yesterday.

Specific Feedback

These are the most interesting poses I caught. Any thoughts on composition or processing? I did a little bit of water clean up.

Technical Details

Canon R7, Sigma 150-600 Contemporary
ISO 800, f7.1, 1/3200s, hand held

Processed in DXO PureRaw3 and Photoshop.

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

The pose on the stilt is wonderful, Allen. I love the image. For the killdeer the take-off image is outstanding. I like the first and second images of the killdeer as well, but I’m not sure the reflections add anything and I’d be tempted to crop most of them away.

3

Very graceful, ballerina pose on the stilt. Nice low shots on the killdeer. The third is my favorite-great wing position.

4

I agree that the take off image is excellent Allen. I love the reflection in that one. You have amazing detail and colors in all of these and handled the whites expertly. The ballerina pose of the stilt is really nice. It may be just my perception, but it looks like the stilt could use just a tiny clockwise rotation. It may just be comparing that to the images of the killdeer though.

5

Nice series, Allen. I especially like the kildeer, and I think the reflections add a lot.
The second take-off position is especially fine.

6

Allen: I like the image of the stilt best given the graceful take off pose. The others are all nicely done especially given the conditiion of the pond.

7

Hi Allen
Great work. Every time I come this sight, I learn something new. (I would have brightened up the wings on the Still but, your shot works). My top shot are the Still and the third Killdeer.
Peter