The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
We were in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on our first day of trekking. We were deep in the forest after a steady uphill trek when we reached our assigned family. They were relaxed, spread out feeding and doing whatever mountain gorillas do. As we were watching them we spotted this gorilla deep in the forest. The gorilla moved about deep in the shadows and suddenly we got a view of his face. It was very cool and this photo ended up encapsulating the whole idea of the impenetrable forest for us.
Feedback Requested
I would love to get any ideas and advice on how to make the photo better. How is the lighting? Framing? Color? What did the photo make you feel? Thanks for any thoughts.
I know nothing about wildlfe photography, but I’ll say I think this is an amazing moment you’ve captured here. The comp is great imho. Color is natural. The photo makes me feel a strong connection and bond with this close human relative.
This is an incredible image. You can read so much into it. It’s hard not to see something of ourselves here. I’m surprised there haven’t been more comments. I don’t know if a crop to show the face more is a good idea or not. I like having all that darkness all around but the face is so expressive.
Oh my! What a character. You’ve captured a cheeky little face really giving you attention and perhaps wondering if he should share his leaves.
Lighting: Looks good to me, but maybe some tweaks?
Framing: I love to see him/her in habitat, but I.m thinking a smaller crop?
Colour: I’m leaning toward a slight blue-ish look?
The image made me smile… a lot. But also, I fear for the baby’s vulnerability and its future.
In my version; cropped, white balance changed and a few brighter spots toned down. a small radial gradient around the face. Looking at my edit now, it could be a bit on the yellow side? LOL
This is impressive. Overall, the original version is bluish due to the shady conditions. A tighter crop certainly increases the intimacy of the image and darkening the light branches brings more focus to the face. Follow the recommendations of @Glenys_Passier and @Igor_Doncov which should put this one over the top. Well done…Jim
Love the revision!
I am on the “border patrol”. I would be tempted to work my way around the edges and clone/darken any bright leaves or spots of light. (Or, a nice vignette?) There are a couple of prickle like shapes at 2 o’clock that draw my eye. That’s being really picky.
Glenys, you are not on the border patrol you are the border patrol. I will remove prickle shapes, remove some light spots and maybe do a little vignetting and repost. Thanks so much for your advice.
Hi Timothy, love the second revision. The eyes are penetrating and the clarity on the animal is terrific. Must have been great to see in person. Wonderful capture.
