|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 3 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Oh my!!!! This is such an Impactful image!
I feel the impact is created by the use of light. The warm side lighting is the hammer that drive to point home while the shadowed background serves as the anvil that absorbs the blow and balances the image. There is an emotional impact created by the contact between subject and viewer. I feel that you have taken an ordinary subject (bird on branch) and through light, composition and technical skills have given this a feel of orginality. This is NOT an ordinary image and requires expertise to produce. It is certainly competition worthy and should get high marks. The image is sharp were necessary and expertly exposed to provide adequate detail in the shadows. The choices of shutter speed and aperture are both spot on. I believe your composition, locating the bird on 3 of the four fixation points creates a sweeping flow the follows the Golden Ratio perfectly. Your rendering of the use of space (mostly negative) shows artistic awareness while the repetitive use of triangular shapes such as the areas created with the branches, the bird's head, wing, beak, shoulders to name only a few produce a multitude of explosions of visual impact.
While this is a superior image I would suggest that perhaps you might consider slightly toning down the bright white circle in the upper left corner as I feel it may draw the viewer's eye away from the subject. This may be a minor detail, but I feel the devil is in the details. |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 3
|
| 4 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
I love lighthouses and your use of leading lines certainly draws the eye of the viewer to the subject. This is excellent composition. |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 4
|
| 6 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Tracy
It was my pleasure. If you hve any questions in the future that I might be able to assist with, please feel free to ask. |
Dec 19th |
| 6 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Hi Tracy.
I'm just visiting from Group 36 and got to this party a bit late. Thus I'll connect my comments to both your original image and the "improved" version you submitted later.
I feel you have an exceptional image on display this month. The composition is quite nice although as a composition image I would try to add just a bit of space on the right as to me the image feel a bit cramped. This may well be due to slight currents of air that blue the grass while you were trying to capture the image. I do not know if you shot in burst mode or not. If you didn't, perhaps try it in the future. It may provide more choices for you to pick from. You did an excellent job of blurring the background and making it neutral. The f7.1 matched with the close focus worked miracles in this creation. In the original version there was a considerable amount of noise visible what does compromise the quality o0f the image, but you solved that issue in the revised version. May I suggest that you deal with the issue when you first process the image. With today's software noise should never be an issue in a displayed image.
You do not indicate if this is a full frame camera or a crop sensor or if you cropped the image and if so how much. If this is a crop sensor camera and if this is a consumer lens, this may contribute to the original softness that needed to be corrected in Topaz. A full frame camera will give a sharper image at higher ISO levels. You were able to solve the noise issue with Topaz but there is some softness still in the image. Please do not get me wrong, this is an exceptional image, far better than most damsel fly images and I admit I am nit-picking, but this is a learning process. While your shutter speed is most likely fast enough for the capture I would suggest faster if possible, especially if your camera is a crop sensor. While this shutter speed with stop a bird in flight, you are shooting a very small creature as very close range. The smaller the creature and the closer you are the faster your shutter speed should be. For example, if I were going to shoot a Great Blue Heron and fill the frame then 1/1600 would be fine, but if I were shooting a robin, 1/2500 would be necessary. This is because I have to be closer. Now if my camera is a crop sensor I am dealing with fewer pixels and so I have to keep those pixels sharper, so I need a faster shutter to do so. I'm sure you were aware of the blade of grass even slightly blowing in the wind and coupled with camera motion simply by you holding, all this may account for some softness. We should also mention your focus method. If you are using continuous focus then your camera is constantly refocusing as that blade of grass slightly moves. If your focus point even drifts slightly off the subject, and the camera is refocusing as you shoot, it might induce some softness. All if this simply means when shooting small subject, close up faster shutter speeds are your friend. With your Topaz adjustments you have a competition worthy image. I am just talking theory and ways to improve. For me the biggest issue is a slight overexposure on the body of the damsel fly. You can see this in the white spots on the body. If you shot this in RAW, you might be able to save and recover this areas. Remember is it easier to recover shadow detail from underexposure than it is to recover overexposed detail, because in over exposed areas there is nothing to recover. It is best to shoot a stop under when there are highlights to consider. Finally, may I suggest that in post processing you increase the black point slightly. This will help to bring out detail in the wings as well as add a bit of punch to the over all image.
Moat modern camera can handle an ISO of 1600 without showing too much noise or lack of sharpness. A crop sensor camera will of course show more softness than a full frame camera and since I do not know which camera you used I cannot offer a firm opinion.
Again, please note, I consider this an exceptional image in it final version (the only REAL issue of the overexposure). This is certainly worth framing and even entering in competitions. The image as real impact and will earn a second look from a judge. I am an international PSA judge and I would move this to round two with out hesitation. After that. . . For future critiques in a forum such as this I wish you would provide camera and lens details because it provides more detail for me to work with. You should be proud of this image. If you have any questions in regards to any of my comments, please ask. I will be happy to answer anything you wish to discuss. Finally, note, these are just my opinions and others may see things differently. Please feel free to disagree with anything I've said. It is your image, and I firmly believe that the maker is always right.
|
Dec 17th |
1 comment - 1 reply for Group 6
|
| 8 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Love all the long hair on your other two dogs. I enjoyed going back to October of 2019 to see them. |
Dec 14th |
| 8 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Ive had shelties in the past and they were wonderful. One spent his entire life chasing birds out of the yard. If they landed, they had to go. He also made sure none of those silver birds (airplanes) ever landed in the yard either. He was a wonderful dog. I know how you feel about yours. |
Dec 10th |
| 8 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
You must be much in love with your pal. Shelties are adorable. It look like you have a bit of camera motion shooting at that 1/15 second, but in this case it add a touch of softness that adds to the gentle feeling of the dog--so it works well.
As previously noted, the lighting is simply wonderful. |
Dec 8th |
1 comment - 2 replies for Group 8
|
| 10 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
I absolutely agree that everything cooperated for this image. The dusting of snow is quite magical. You handled a difficult exposure quite well. |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 10
|
| 12 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
An eye catching "red" and"pink" photo that has both humor and interest. You used a good angle to catch this. The only thing that "might" make this better would be if the camera was a Nikon. :-) |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 12
|
| 14 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
You have a beautiful image of a picturesque location. I am going to strongly suggest that you leave it alone. Adding a vignette to a nature scene simply makes it look fake and vignette4s do not exist in nature. If you feel you must do something to the image may I suggest all you do is adjust the black point. Increasing the blacks will add depth and some "pop" to the image.
But this is fine as is. |
Dec 8th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 14
|
| 17 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Congratuations, you did a fine job with your editing. The image is vastly improved. |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 17
|
| 19 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
A very eye appealing image with powerful leading lines. The time of day and the shadows are what adds the drama. I think your composition works well.
Perhaps you could increase the drama by bringing down the black point and or increasing contrast. |
Dec 10th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 19
|
| 24 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
The drama in this image comes from the way you handled the firelight. The image has a strong story line that the light enhances. To increase the impact of the firelight you might selectively burn the barrel and the white pant leg on the right.
May I suggest that perhaps cropping the bellows at the top would focus the eye on the action at the forge simply because the bellow are very light in color and draw the eye away from the forge. |
Dec 10th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 24
|
| 31 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
I like this shot as previously mentioned. However, seeing the B/W version which brings out the lines more strongly make me think this instead of standing in this position, try getting lower, maybe kneeling or sitting. That way the lines of the rocks would look more horizontal and perhaps more powerful. Since you live close by you might have the opportunity to try this. Just a thought. |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 31
|
| 32 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
I like this shot. You created a lot of interest with a simple subject. I think the knot stands out quite well from the background due to the lighting. Personally, I really like the texture, to me it compliments the rope and adds to the image.
I see you are providing better stories now with your images. Where did you pick up that trick? :-) |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 32
|
| 33 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
It was a worth the crowds to get such a powerful image. Well done. |
Dec 10th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 33
|
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Hi Bill
Thanks for commenting.
In answer to your questions, I think you are right about the breaking wave in the upper right.
As for the "interesting wave action" at the top, I actually did lighten it slightly. This image was shot by moonlight that was just peaking through a tiny gap in the clouds almost like a spot light. The sea was dark. In my original the upper area was almost pure black. I didn't like the black at the top looking like a bar so I tried to bring up just a bit of detail just so it would not be pure black. However I wanted to keep the focus on the pool of light. I feel it works almost like a vignette with black surrounding the image. Also if I go further with the top area, it does get noisy |
Dec 16th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
So sorry Michael
I just forgot to attach my edit. I'm afraid it is the senility that is setting in.
This time I got it attached. |
Dec 6th |
 |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Michael
After reading your comments I went back to study my image for what seems like the millionth time. Now I can't help but notice the light patch of sea on the left edge just above the rock. Right next to the light patch there is a slightly darker section of sea. I'm fairly confident I can darken the light patch to match the darker area. That will make the moonlight appear as a single spotlight on the central attraction.
You have a good suggestion. Guess that is why I keep you guys in the group around---I need your expert eyes. :-)
Thanks. |
Dec 6th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Welcome to the group and thanks for submitting a stunning image. The main falls a striking and I especially like the cloud of mist floating in front of the fall. I'll have to research that falls to learn something about its size. I feel the image has a great deal drama between the sky and the falls and the horizontal format really sets up the scale.
I see you use much the same process as I do with the falls. I have several ND filters rated at 3,6 and 10 stops. I also use a 3 stop GND filter. Would you care to share what brand filters you are using--Mine are from B and W because they are not supposed to create a color cast and are guaranteed to be neutral.
While I really like your I have two suggestions. First I would crop off (or remove) the bright green plant in the left corner as it draws the eye away from the falls.
My second suggest has to do with the white spots in the sky. Since the eye is drawn to the lightest and brightest parts of an image those two sports in the sky also draw my eye They must have really been bright since you used a GND filter and they still show. I doubt they can be suitably darkened but maybe remove? I saw your other image and you clearly have some superior Photoshop skills so maybe.
At any rate, it is your image (and a good one) so if you like it as is that is great.
Welcome to the group. |
Dec 6th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
It is hard not to get a good image of the ancient trees. There twisted shapes and colors can be so dramatic. It me it feel as it you used a GND filter because the top of the twisted branches is so dark. Since the tree is the story I would do some very careful editing and bring out the color in the dark of the top branches. I would darken the hillside on the far left so that it matches the hill on the right, as that will also bring out the tree. Also, if you darken the highlights in the sky, just a bit it will make the tree almost glow and thus dominate the image even more than it already does. This is really beautiful. |
Dec 5th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
When I first posted this and read your title I was reminded of the Lord of the Rings and went looking for a Hobbit.I very much like your crop in the foreground as all the lush green is not necessary. The triangular shape of the mountain I feel really makes this composition work and the crown of clouds adds a dramatic punchline. I feel there is still some drama to be squeezed out of those clouds by adding contrast and would suggest giving that a try. While you bird is a nice touch I would sacrifice the bird to crop out some of the sky. The mountain is the story and the expanse of sky detracts. The bright whites of the snow really draw the eye. This is a moody and enchanting image that has great appeal. Well done! |
Dec 5th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Light painting, when applied artfully and with skill can have such a dramatic impact on an image. I feel you created a feeling of a moonscape which I find quite appealing. I love the ghostly feeling of the white tree trunks paired with the blue background.
Personally, I feel the bright strip of land detracts from the trees and perhaps I would just slightly darken that land so it would not compete with the trees. |
Dec 5th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
First I like the pano format as it increases the feeling of vastness. In spite of the drama of the moment I feel the image lacks impact. I really like that triangular shaped leading line. It just draws the viewer into the frame.
I did a bit of playing around with curves, adjusted the color individual colors and brought some light into the deep shadows. I also increased sharpness (a lot) and finally added a GND filter and applied a bit of warmth to the sky.
Hope you don't mind my dabbling just a bit. |
Dec 5th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Thank you very much Arne. I'm glad you appreciate the drama---that was what really drew me to the scene. Underexposing the light was the easy decision but how long to make the shutter was a bit tricky. The sea was really violent and I wanted to keep some of that feeling. I fully agree, including the sky would have ruined the effect which explains the pano crop.
I do have a question however. Are you referring to the dark band at the top of the frame? Is that what you are suggesting be darkened? Or are you suggesting the slightly dark areas mixed in with the bright sections of the water? Or, is it both?
I actually slightly lightened the dark band at the very top. Making it darker I felt made it a distracting black hole. Slightly brighter I felt it would be ignored because the eye would go to the bright section and just ignore the top. Your thoughts? |
Dec 5th |
| 36 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Richard
I don't really mind getting wet in Florida. The water is always warm and the warm will warm up the moment the sun rises. I can dry out, it is the camera I re ally worry about. I carrying a $5000 rig and do not need it ruined by salt and water. My lenscoat camera raincoat was pricey but it really works. I can stand in a downpour and the camera will not get a drop on it. I did a University of Miami football game a few years ago shooting in the outer bands of a hurricane and the camera did just fine, However, for that shoot I was wearing a raincoat too. :-)
You picked up on two of the things that drew me to this image. One was the surreal light and the other the was the way the water reacted to the 1.6 second shutter. Picking the right speed for the shutter was a bit dicey. I didn't have a lot of time to experiment. I'm really glad I did not go any longer.
Thanks for the comments. |
Dec 5th |
5 comments - 5 replies for Group 36
|
| 37 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
The unusual always makes for an interesting image. The spread of the wings, the the running feet make this unique.
SOmetimes it is better to be lucky and good. :-) |
Dec 10th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 37
|
| 46 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Sometimes sheer simplicity works magic. You have used the element of light to advantage and incorporated negative space to produce an iconic style moody image. Well done. |
Dec 11th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 46
|
| 50 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Nice work in getting rid of the power wires! No one but you and I will know how much work that can be.
The black/white was a good choice as this is seldom seen this way. You might be able to get a bit more pop out of the image by adjusting the white and the black points. |
Dec 11th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 50
|
| 52 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
I feel your composition is well done and you have strong leading lines utilizing the road and the clouds. The use of the negative space creates a feeling of vastness that magnifies the storm.
In my opinion what is lacking the something truly sharp (wish it was the tree). You probably didn't need f16 to get depth of field. You could reduce the aperture and that would allow for a faster shutter speed and thus a sharp tree. Just my suggestion.
Nice picture.
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Dec 11th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 52
|
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
You know, I think you may have the best crop solution I have seen. Thanks. |
Dec 30th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Both crops are good suggestions (at least to my way of thinking) because they retain the integrity of the rocks and that is the part I like the most. |
Dec 16th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Any interesting thought. To bad I didn't think of that on location. :-( |
Dec 16th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Here is Bud's recropped image. |
Dec 10th |
 |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Lowering the fstop would not increase saturation it will impact DOF and may darken the image is exposure is not compensated. Increased saturation can be dialed in in some cameras but generally occurs simply by underexposing which makes colors appear to be richer.
If you are shooting in a situation where there is a strong light source (or multiple strong light sources) inside the field of view or just outside the field of view then lens flare, particularly veiling flare, will generally be worse at larger apertures and would reduce overall contrast which might also be perceived as making the colors less saturated. |
Dec 10th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Thanks for joining our group.
Wildlife scenes that are more than basic portraits are always a treat and this one fills the bill. When ever there is interaction either within a single species or between species the image becomes stronger. Because we humans tend to personify animals the relationship between mother and child is generally a winner. We tend to see bears as cuddly creatures and this image carries that theme. The fact that mom is straining her neck to watch her cubs adds a special touch. The tender feeling created by the cub on the forefront as it looks toward mom and seems to rest its head on a forepaw is another fine touch. The difference between a great image and an also ran is in the details. As a judge looking at images these little things go a long way.
Technically you have a sound image, sharp where it needs to be, soft where it should be. You have resisted the temptation to over saturate and thus have a realistic image.
My only suggestion would be to crop a bit from the top. The solid tone ban at the upper edge is doing you no favors and removing it would simplify the overall image. This is a very minor potential flaw and the image can easily stand as it is. The suggested crop is just my humble opinion.
|
Dec 10th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Glad you are back, you were sorely missed.
I really understand your trials and tribulations chasing these speed demons when they are on the dive. We have they here in south Florida and they do provide a challenged.
It look as if you did everything right in getting this shot. It doesn't matter how many throw-aways as long as you get a few good captures---this is what burst mode is for. :-)
This is a quite sharp image and you even have a full spread of the wings to help fill the frame.k I also like that you have a few faint clouds to add some variety and depth to the sky. (It also help to prevent noise in the solid blue) The head tucked pose as a bit of interest and help the viewer's eye to find the "catch". This little features add interest as well as help to develop a Nature Story.j You even have a second insect visible near the lower point of the tail.
May I ask when these birds were in their stoop how many shots were you firing in your burst? I'd just like a reference point for the next time I shoot these guys. Also how fast was your shutter? I generally try for 2500 +. Do you use Auto-ISO? I use Manual Mode, and f8 for the wings. I just want to compare notes. |
Dec 8th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Todd
I agree about the centering issue. While the sun is nearly centered the extension of the large rock to the right creates the illusion of the rule of thirds. It is one of the things I kind of like about the image. I might even use the image when I teach composition to talk about illusions.
You have a point about the large clouds being blurred by the long exposure. I've been thinking about cropping off the top part of the image where the sky is pale. That would eliminate both the blurred clouds and the brighter part of the sky which some what takes attention away from the main subject. I would have to play with exposure times, as y9u mention, but I know reducing to 20 seconds really changes the way the water looks. My other choice which I did not think of while on site would have been to take two shots, one with a faster shutter speed for the clouds and then blend the two in Photoshop.
That is something that is going to become very popular quite soon due to camera having a built in focus stack feature. I can see where focus stacking will soon become the new norm.
I attended a Zoom lecture by a noted wildlife photographer who is using focus stacking to get multiple animals at different distances all sharp by using focus stacking. He is using a 600mm lens which normally creates small areas of focus and getting every thing but the background to be sharp. |
Dec 7th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Reply |
Well, that is certainly a "different" crop!
I do sort of like that, but I think I would like more of the misty foreground rocks to show because they fascinate me (my bias shows).
Your crop does frame the image by the rule of thirds.
Now you have presented me with a mental challenge How could I take THAT shot. I can't move my tripod closer because the surf and water make it impossible. I can't put a telephoto lens on because I can't get enough DOF to get the foreground rocks and the main rock in focus without completely blurring the background.
Thanks for giving me a mental challenge. I'll have to work on this. |
Dec 7th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
You did a great job of processing this image. The colors and tones really brig the image to life. I'm going to agree cropping out the foreground tree helps the image a great deal.
I think the lack of sharpness is really tied to where your focus point was and the relative low aperture. I would strongly suggest using the hyperfocus technique to improve some sharpness. I see you chose a shutter speed of 1/400 so I am going to assume there was some wind and you were trying to freeze the motion of the foliage. Even so your camera can handle ISO ratings a bit higher (even 4-500) and doing this would add DOF especially if using the hyperfocus system. |
Dec 5th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
I really like the look of the trees heavy with fresh snow. If you have stitched 4 images together you must have tremendous detail. I love the trees, but the crop, at least for me, almost makes them feel like mushrooms rather than great trees. They just seem stunted
I would also be interested in knowing why you chose to show these with a blue tint? i would think the white snow against a sky would be quite stunning. Of course this is your image and it you prefer the blue tone that is great. I do not get to shoot much snow here in Florida so I am just curious as to why. |
Dec 5th |
| 67 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Jason and Everyone Else
Let's talk about banding
Banding typically occurs when a color is graduated across a number of shades-like light blue to dark blue in a sky. ... Banding happens when there aren't enough tones available to recreate a seamless gradation; that's why they're most common in 8-bit image files and with image files that have been heavily compressed. You should also know that the breakdown of total pixels in an image file, the blue channel has fewer pixels and the red and green. I have forgotten why but blue has the fewest pixels. Thus banding is quite common in blue skies (so is noise) Heavy processing and excessive cropping also increases the problem. I have also read that using lenses with lower quality glass increases the effect. If you do not over process and use sRGB 16 bit files you will have fewer problems. Just remember that large areas of blank blue skies are often a problem.
You have a clean action photo that has an acceptable nature story based on the presence of a meal. Personally, since the sky is void of everything, I would crop some off the top just to reduce the amount of blank space. For me the image feels a bit top heavy.
Which side of the river were you on? Iowa or Illinois? I've heard the action has been slow this year. I've found a park area on the Illinois side where the eagles congregate in the trees and you can often get under the trees to closer opportunities. |
Dec 5th |
6 comments - 6 replies for Group 67
|
| 72 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
You have done an excellent job of focus stacking with this. I doubt you would have gotten this sharpness any other way.
The colors and the clouds produce real Impact on this image. |
Dec 7th |
| 72 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
This is an excellent image with a strong nature story. I think the B/W version is much more graphic and powerful. The addition of the cub really adds to this image. |
Dec 7th |
2 comments - 0 replies for Group 72
|
| 74 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
This is a superb "capture the moment"image. The sharpness and the decisive moment set this apart. As others have said perhaps the ball could be darker.
As for the dog not looking at the ball---as a dog trainer I can tell you the dog has already looked at the ball and is now working on its next move. You stop action has captured this change in focus Things are happening so fast that, for the dog, the ball is already captured.
This would be an excellent image for a dog trainer to show clients. |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 74
|
| 96 |
Dec 20 |
Comment |
Dan
Here is another vote for this being an exceptional image!
This has impact! The eye is immediately engaged. This is an image that makes use of the artistic elements of photography, more particularly space, line and texture. Additionally your use of complimentary AND analogous colors adds impact, visual interest and controls subconscious mood.
Whether planed or not, this is excellent.
P.S. You should have kept the title ask "Snakes" :-)
As a member of the DD management team each month I scan the submitted images looking specifically for those that have true impact. Most of the hundreds of submitted images to not contain this photographic element. Yours does. It is one of the most powerful images of the month. |
Dec 7th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 96
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32 comments - 14 replies Total
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