The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I was in the Grand Ronde valley last weekend and took a side trip to the Zumwalt Prairie. Lots of meadowlarks, mostly on fence posts and one that actually let me take some shots of it. It always had it’s back to me and unfortunately when calling faced at best obliquely away from me, though I may post one of those as well.
Specific Feedback
I know the post isn’t straight and none of the posts were except by sheerest accident. In this case I liked the slant opposite to the angle of the bird, so I didn’t straighten it. Shooting from the car with a gentle slope on the far side once again gave me a smooth background.
Technical Details
Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 840 mm, handheld from window, f/9, 1/2500, iso 1000. Processed in LR & PS CC. Cropped from a horizontal original to 4086x5071. Minor enhancements to feather and post texture and brought out the yellow a bit. Taken at 10:28 a.m. under mostly cloudy skies.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Very nice shot, Dennis. The angle of the post and the angle of the bird work well together.
“Shooting from the car with a gentle slope on the far side once again gave me a smooth background.” I was wondering about that. It looks like seamless paper.
Fantastic shot. We have a lot of W. Meadowlarks around here, but I’ll be darned if I can get a good shot of one. They are really wary. The fence post: I like it. Birds love to sit on OLD wooden posts and almost all seem to prefer ones that are not straight-probably because the lichen covered rocks over time can no longer hold them straight (just saw your lichen post). Background: Love it.
Hi Dennis, Love the backwards glance you caught here and the details are quite fine throughout on the bird. BG looks good to me as does the post. Well done.
I am envious of your Meadowlarks. I’ve never seen one or (maybe even sadder) heard one. Gorgeous shot even though it wasn’t as cooperative as you may have wanted. The texture in the plumage turned out great - looks a little ragged, but that might be normal. What camouflage these guys have! No way you’d see one unless it was on a convenient post like this. The direct look is quite engaging. You even got a tiny catchlight in the eye. If you wanted to emphasize the eye more, a small radiant mask there would let you lift it a bit. Great portrait!
Hi Dennis
This is a great photograph. With a head on shot, you would have seen the rich feather detail and coloring of this Meadowlark. The head turn is a plus.
Peter
Absolutely no need to straighten the perch. As you and others have noted, the angles of perch and bird complement each other quite well. Nice textures on this one, Dennis.
