Widow Skimmer taking a breather+repost

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
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Widow-Skimmer-5730-v2
Widow-Skimmer-5730-v21500×1200 493 KB

Widow-Skimmer-5730.jpg
Widow-Skimmer-5730.jpg1500×1500 283 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I was exploring a nature preserve in Wichita on a gusty, bright and hot July morning looking for interesting flora & fauna. Spotted several dragonflies flitting around a large patch of blazing stars, then noticed that one female kept returning to a specific perch for a second or two between forays. So I positioned myself as best I could parallel to the perch and managed to get a handful of images before she left the area.

Specific Feedback

I like the DOF and general color & clarity of the subject, and the way I caught her wings blowing over towards me. I wonder about the crop and resulting composition, as this about the center 20% of the full frame. I wish I could do more with the bright, busy background, as it competes IMO too much with the subject. But the transparency of her gorgeous wings have kept me from doing much with that. Looking for any suggestions!

Technical Details

Z6ii, 100-400mm S @ 400mm, f/18, 1/1600s, ISO 3200, handheld.
PP in LrC: Crop, tone adjustments (esp background using color mask), vignette, NR.

Repost July 29

Updated to incorporate feedback: Wider crop, going from square to 4x5; removed distracting blades from left; reduced yellow in BG.

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
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Thanks much for the feedback Sandy. I agree with the changes you demonstrated and will work tomorrow to repost with those in another crop.

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Widow skimmers are abundant and are very worthy photo subjects. DOF is perfect, although at a cost for BG fuzziness. Sandy’s edits look good. Getting more room on the rh side will also help. A fine image destined for the printer…Jim

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Thanks for chiming in Jim! I’ve now updated the image accordingly, hopefully faithful to critiques from you and @Sandy_Richards-Brown

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Bob: Your edit elevates an already fine image to a higher level. Persistence and patience pays with dragons and yours paid off. Most excellent. >=))>

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Thanks Bill, I appreciate your feedback. Of course some credit goes to @Sandy_Richards-Brown and @Jim_Zablotny for the excellent suggestions.

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Nice Depth to get the whole DF in good focus Bob. I really like what you’ve done with the repost.

1 Like