Woodpecker's silhouette

Image Critiques Abstract Nature Critiques
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specht_P3050082-monochrome
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I posted the color version of this image a while ago. This is a B&W conversion of the image.
Not sure if this should be in the Avian category, or in the Abstract (although the image is immediately recognizable as a bird on a branch, of course).

Specific Feedback Requested

I kept the branches in the BG light grey. Do you find them distracting? I could make them brighter of course, but I wanted to keep them recognizable. I cloned out an OOF branch behind the bird.
Any other feedback welcome.

Technical Details

Olympus Stylus 1, f/2.8, ISO 100, 1/250s, f=300mm (FF eq.)

2 Likes
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Very nicely composed, great use of the lines here, and I love how the subject jumps out without being overly obvious. Black and white was a great choice here too!

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Hi Han,
Really nicely done here. I went looking for the color version you posted previously, and while that one is “nice,” this one is much better in my opinion. The color one, though just blue and black, nonetheless looks like an image not quite captured (like, go get the full detail!). This one, however, is really evocative. It reminds me of a japanese scroll painting. Just white and black, very simple, very classic in its “design.”

Not sure whether you considered other crops, by I think a square crop simplifies it, though the vertical maybe lends to the Japanese ink scroll effect. Here’s a quickie crop for your consideration:

Square_Diggs_specht_P3050082-monochrome
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Thanks for sharing this one and going back to rethink your processing approach.
ML

1 Like
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I like this photo as is. I think the dark branch with the light branches behind it add depth to the photo. It’s nice that there aren’t any branches behind the bird. Very nicely done!

5

Han, I really like this, and I felt the same as @Marylynne_Diggs - it has an Asian feel to it. It would not be difficult to clone out the paler oof branches to make it really simple and even more abstract - but that’s just personal taste!

1 Like
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Thanks, @Eric_Bennett , @Marylynne_Diggs , @Donna_Callais and @Mike_Friel for your comments!
Glad you like it.
I’ll consider the square crop, good idea.

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For what it’s worth, I kind of like the washed out limbs in the background. They add depth and for me help create the Japanese aesthetic. I’ll try to find a scroll to link as an example.

Edit: here’s an example on eBay

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Thanks for the link @Marylynne_Diggs ! A very nice example. I’ll have to practice a bit more to achieve this level :slight_smile:

1 Like
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Nice work Han! I love the silhouette, the lines, and the black and white edit. The out of focus branches in the background add lots of depth. Really nice work!