The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This visitor from the Australian region is probably an escapee from a private pond. Black swans are often held as ornamental birds. I saw the nest at the edge of a marshy area, near the river, not far from my home. The bird has found a safe place, I can observe the nest from 3 different directions, but can’t come nearer that about 250-300 feet.
I made the portrait because of the majestic pose of the swan, centered on its giant nest, and because I like the contrast of the red bill against the green vegetation.
They apparently breed in September, interesting to see what happens with the young birds in Autumn if the breeding is successful. I didn’t see a partner yet, but the bird stayed very long on the nest so I suppose that there are eggs.
Specific Feedback
Are there too many distractions around the bird? Is the image interesting enough at all?
Technical Details
Pentax K3 Mk. III, 150-450 @450mm, f/7.1, 1/1600s, ISO1600. Handheld, 40% crop.
RAW conversion in DxO PL6, hardly any corrections in post except the crop.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
An interesting case, Han, and it certainly built an incredible nest. I think the image can use just a bit of clockwise rotation. I tried it using one of the lower slanted sticks and its reflection as a guide and it ended up also looking level with respect to the bottom of the nest. There’s a dead stem that comes up and touches the swan’s chin and I think that could go away. Other than that a fine portrait of this bird from an odd location.
Han, this is a great look at this fellow. I’m assuming it’s the male - as you did - since the females usually take nest duty at night. Nice head turn, feather detail, eye, and huge nest.
They have chosen a good lookout location for the nest, but unfortunately the things that eat swan eggs and cygnets - raccoons, foxes, mink, otters, etc - can all swim well. They’ll still have to be very vigilant.
It is a bit off-level, as Dennis noted.
Very nice image!
This is a very nice look at this impressive swan Han. Great colors and details. Also, a very interesting location and timing for a nest. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you @Ed_Williams , @SandyR-B and @Dennis_Plank for your comments.
In general, I level an image before cropping. This image needed leveling, not a surprise with a long lens handheld, and I think it is level now. But if the crop appears off-level to several viewers, I’ll rotate it a bit
About the dead stem: You are right, @Dennis_Plank and I’ll use the clone stamp. On second thoughts for some more stems, that come from the back of the swan.
Hi Han, really nice look at this nest and swan. I find it quite interesting especially with the nest size being so large. Nice to get fine details on the nest and bird. I think the centered composition works well.
Good looking swan. It’s set off nicely against the background and as you say, the red bill and green foliage are a good combination. I would be interesting to witness the swans building this huge nest.
Thank you @Allen_Brooks and @Allen_Sparks for your comment. Much appreciated.
I didn’t see the building of the nest, unfortunately. I was told that someone had seen a black swan swimming, so I went to look out for the swans. It turned out that there already was a nest and possibly eggs, for the nest is constantly occupied. With a bit of luck I can watch the cygnets if the breeding is successful.
