|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 40 |
Jan 26 |
Reply |
Janice, I did not mean to discourage you from entering this. It is a fine image. I just wanted to share some insight on how Nature images are ususally judged. If your club does not follow the PSA definition and guidelines, you may do well with this image. Judging is very subjective. I wish you luck in whatever you enter into your club's competition. |
Jan 19th |
| 40 |
Jan 26 |
Comment |
Julie, I am visiting from Group 52 at Andrew's invitation. My eye goes right to the gecko who looks very much alive with catch light in the eye. I notice that the background blur has greatly reduced distractions. To me the diagonal branch is a stong compositional element; I agree with Mike - when I have a diagonal line a usually like it to exist the frame at the corner. Impact in nature images usually comes from the story. This is always the biggest challenge for me. Story is strongest if there is implied action or interaction with another subject of the same or a different species. Often in nature competitons animal or insect portraits do not score as high as action images. I am only sharing that because you commented that your club is very competitive. Whether or not it is a winner in your club competiton the image is technically and compositonally very well done in my opinon. |
Jan 7th |
1 comment - 1 reply for Group 40
|
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Reply |
Ally, The Glow filter is in several 3rdparty plug-ins including DxO (NIK) Color Efex and I think in OnOne. I havent' used OnOne for a long time but it used to be there. You may be able to similate that effect in Lightroom or PS if you don't have the plug-ins. You might want Google it. I would bet there is a YouTube video on it. |
Jan 26th |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Reply |
The penguin took a deep dive and when nearing the bottom of the tank shot upward. The tank is probably 10 or 12 feet deep, but the water surface is above the top of the window. So the photographer can't anticipate when they are going to dive. You can't iamgine how many throw away shots it took to get one where the penguin was entirely in the frame! |
Jan 17th |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Comment |
I think your post processing has certainly brought out the best in this image. If it were mine I might have been discouraged by the low light and the messy background, but instead you have created a beautiful image that in my opinion creates a feeling of peacefulness and rest. Also I just love the fluffy feathers. Nice work, Mike. I cannot think of a single thing that would improve this image. |
Jan 17th |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Comment |
I think you have gotten the white balance on the snow exactly right. I like the fact that you brought out the detail on the tree trunks. The trunk of the tree and the left and the larger branches lead my eye smoothy upward throug the image, so I think they are strong leading lines.
Out of curiosity I tried rotating the image a bit to the left. This of course resulted in a crop as well. I like that in this version all the large trunks and branches are reaching for they sky. To me it feels stronger. As an artist and phtographer it is your call and I do not know what story you had in mind so this is merely a suggestion...something to consider. |
Jan 17th |
 |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Comment |
I think you post processing has brought out colors and textures very effectively. I like how you handled the background. Also, in my opinion you chose exactly the right perspective for this shot. Well done. I have no suggestions for change. |
Jan 17th |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Comment |
To me this image is about the rocks and the texture. I like the way the rocks shine. In my opinon, the wave action at the top does not add interest. One consideration would be to crop them out which of course would make this a more panoramic presentation. But for me, the image would be more compelling. If you have not already done so, you might think about adding some glow. Your image, so of course it is you choice, but you might try it and see what you think. |
Jan 17th |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Comment |
Tom, I love that you have captured a decisive moment and a strong nature story . As I look at this image I get the feeling it is a composite image. I know that is not correct but the different treatments of the subject and the background give me that impression. I tried to think about how to achieve an overall treatment that would appear to my eye ot be more realisic. I hope you do not mind my playing around with your image.
I cropped, selected the subject and increased the exposure by half a stop and added a slight bit of vibrance. I inverted the selection and lightened the background then burned the bright spots at the top and slighlty lightened the bottom area below the bird. Finally in Color Efex I used the natural detail extraction filter and then added a tiny bit of dynamic contrast.
Of course it is your image and this may not suit your taste, but it is one option to consider. Let me know what you think. |
Jan 17th |
 |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Comment |
Pam, I once stood in what must be the same spot and photogrpaphed the same scene. I remember that gold glow in the clouds. I wonder if that is an effect that occurs there often or if we both just got lucky. To me it is a beautiful scene and despite the warm colors I sense the cold. i think that very bright cloud is a distraction, so I think I would agree with Mike's crop. I notice that the green forested areas do not reveal much detail, so you might consider doing some dodge work there which I believe would add depth. You have not indicated how you will pesent this imge, but in my opinon it would make a lovely large canvas print. |
Jan 17th |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Reply |
Ally, thaks for your comment. I think you and Mike are correct about the vignette. Don't know why I didn't think of it earlier. |
Jan 17th |
| 52 |
Jan 26 |
Reply |
Thanks, Mike. I like what you did with that. |
Jan 17th |
6 comments - 4 replies for Group 52
|
7 comments - 5 replies Total
|
