Critique Please - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/13/2004 12:17:50 AM · #1

Would appreciate everyones thoughts on this shot if you don't mind.

Thanks!

photom

Nikon D200

06/13/2004 12:27:56 AM · #2

Hi Bill,

Well - since I have a near identical shot... I like it.

But that's not the only reason - it's very nice composition and has a good feel.

Colors do seem to be a bit on the saturated side - and a catchlight in the eye would help.

Keep at it - it works!
(edit spelling)

Message edited by author 2004-06-13 01:07:10.

taterbug

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

06/13/2004 02:23:31 AM · #3

I think this is a really good shot that has "great" potential. I like the overall composition. It has a really vibrant feel with great colors. What I really like is that you've captured a unique "pose", if you will. You always see a lot of bird photos, usually standing, perched, flying, this to me is a fresh perspective. I'm not sure how much editing you've done to it yet, but maybe it can be tweeked to give it the real "wow" factor. Possibly a little more color, or sharpen up some of the liter areas on him. It is a nice shot.

dinotech

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

06/13/2004 02:44:00 AM · #4

I'm no expert in photography, but am learning the art as well.. What I've come to notice about nature photography is that most pros would like to focus more on the eye. With that being said, maybe adjusting your position on the shot would emphasise the bird's unique posture also leave out the green area on the top which can be a bit distracting. The color is wonderful but maybe just a little bit more brighter would be even better. I'd give you a bit fat 10.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

06/13/2004 03:33:45 AM · #5

Thanks, guys!!! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on this shot. I have learned much from your comments! I will see what I can do and will repost to get your follow-up feedback.

Thanks again!

KarenB

Canon EOS-70D

06/13/2004 04:33:19 AM · #6

left a comment.

:)

Mambe

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

06/13/2004 04:40:48 AM · #7

Hello Bill ,

I'm only a beginner but it's a nice photo ! Have you tryed with a larger view ? I like the composition and bright colors .
Congratulations !

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

06/13/2004 10:05:52 AM · #8

Very pretty. I love the colors and the texture of the feathers. Great job! :o)

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/13/2004 01:11:40 PM · #9

Thanks again guys and gals. I'm learning with each and every comment and critique.

Thanks!

ericsuth

Canon EOS-20D

06/13/2004 01:54:25 PM · #10

LOveIT.
Just wondering, I'm sort of thinking opposite to what some others have said, and I'm curious to see if any pros out there would think, but I actually would like to see more (just a little) of the triangular green area in the top left to contrast with the red/pink feathers. I also wonder if the shot could have been a little better with less direct light... morning/evening/shade? Not that you could have asked to bird to relocate or anything :) Just technical curiosity.

dsidwell

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/13/2004 02:42:00 PM · #11

Hi Bill. This is a really cool shot! Try just a few things and see what happens:

1. using LEVELS, move just the middle slider to the right (toward the dark) and see if that lessens the harshness of some of the shadows.

2. Try duplicating the layer, then applying a gaussian blur to the new layer at about 10-15 pixels (so it'll be plenty blurry). Then set the blending option of that layer to MULTIPLY. That will darken the shot considerably. You can then lighten the new layer, or just change it's opacity.

3. Use the dodge tool at a small pixel radius (like about 2-3 pixels) and at 100% and put a little 'gleam' in the bird's eye. It looks like the light is coming from up left, so down right in the eye might be a good place to start.

Just a couple of fun things to try. I love the shot! I want one just like it! Can I copy you?

06/13/2004 05:26:43 PM · #12

Originally posted by dsidwell:

Just a couple of fun things to try. I love the shot! I want one just like it! Can I copy you?

Be my guest! Thanks for the great tips. I'm going try them and will post the results after I'm finished. Probably will around to it later today or tomorrow night.

Thanks again, everyone!!! I appreciate the comments, hints & tips!

06/13/2004 05:28:33 PM · #13

Oh yea. I wanted to let you guys know about the crop. This is the full size image right out of the camera. Nothing cropped. The only think I did as far as altering the composition was to add the white border. :)

Thanks again, everyone!!!

06/18/2004 04:50:22 PM · #14

Okay folks, I made the adjustments recommended by dsidwell. Here is the result. I think it looks much better but what is your alls opinion?

Originally as posted:

After dsidwell's recommended adjustments:

I probably didn't do the gleam in the eye right but this was my first attempt at adding one. It looks okay I think.

One question I do have is, what is the purpose of the new layer and using the guasian blur? What is it supposed to do. After I lightened the second layer I didn't really see any difference from the original. Maybe I did it wrong though. Just let me know what it was supposed to do so that I can play around with that and see if I can get the correct effect.

Thanks dsidwell and everyone else who made suggestion on how to improve this shot. I wasn't ignoring everyone Else's comments, I just followed dsidwells because I was curious about the whole new layer thing and what the result would be. I'm still open to further recommendations or criticism.

Thanks!