The Shadow Knows

[Dennis_Plank]

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I got more conventional images of a Boat-billed Heron later the same morning, but I loved the “cloaked” look of this one.

Specific Feedback

I would have preferred that the fork in the large branch not be there, but I didn’t think it made sense trying to get rid of it. I did remove some brighter twigs that intersected the head. Let me know if I left any tell-tale signs.

Technical Details

Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 566 mm, Monopod from boat, f/9, 1/160, iso 3200, manual exposure. Pre-processed in DxO PureRaw 4, processing in LR & PS CC. Cropped to 4040x5088 from a horizontal original. Taken February 22nd at 7:54 a.m.

[Ed_Williams]

Dennis, the soft color palette is really nice in this. The detailed feathers are amazing, and you got a great look from the heron. The title fits!

[Allen_Brooks]

Really like this unique pose and the color and detail are great.

[Allen_Sparks]

HI Dennis, interesting pose you captured and the bird’s color contrasts well with the green leaves. Just barely being able to see the eye is an nice touch.

[David_Haynes]

I have never seen a pose like this before. Very unique. Looks like you had some soft light to work with. I don’t see any tell tale sign of branch removal and nothing else pulls my eye so I think this is good as is. Very cool looking bird.