The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
We happily live with snakes here. They do their thing, we do our thing and not often our paths cross. This little Common Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulatus) was meandering across the backyard. He appeared to be drinking the dew. It’s been hellishly hot here..even for snakes.
I shot off over 400 images and only like a handful and not one that shows the snake at his best angle. The elbow I was resting on got the shakes so that didn’t help with the sharpness.
Specific Feedback
Does not having his whole body showing a problem? They are such awkward shapes.
Maybe f4 was too shallow?
Technical Details
Top Image - ISO 1250 70-200@200mm f4 1/1600
Bottom Image - ISO 800 70-200@200mm f 4 1/1600
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Beautiful photos for me. I like best the image below that has less distractions for a snake so beautiful. Furthermore I like the action stopped and the sight of the almost complete body. The two opposite colors of the snake are splendid.
Very nice!! I love the colors and the shallow DOF works so well! Both are excellent but I prefer the second with the tongue visible. Does look like he’s drinking dew. No nits at all!! Great to see your wonderful images again!
I think the shallow DoF works well here, and lack of full body is not a problem with a ground level portrait.
Did you add a vignette or brighten the snake’s face purposefully? It has a very subtle spotlight effect on it. I think your depth of field is adequate for bringing focus to the face, so to me this is a bit unnecessary, and makes the scene feel more artificial, but I understand it’s common practice these days.
Thank you Max! No vignette added, but I did add a linear gradient from the bottom up, so perhaps this is what have given the spotlight look. A linear gradient is something I often use just to aid in the grounding of an image.
I’m fine with the shallow depth of field and my preference goes with the 2nd image. In small thumbnail it looked like leaf was a part of the snake.
In 2nd image, I may crop off the small are upto the point where snake is turning, as the snake’s body looked like just disappearing there, although visually, it is exciting.
