|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Thanks for you comments Judith - my goal is always impact, visual interest and story in that order - I was shooting for a photo contest at my club in the creative category and just wanted to grab and keep the viewer's attention. |
Aug 28th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Hosedar, I froze motion with the flash - my settings were continual 30 second exposures using the camera's intervalometer with a one second pause between shots until my batteries ran out - f11 and an ISO of 1000 |
Aug 27th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Thank you Tomi |
Aug 22nd |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Thank you Tom - I'll have to visit you on 21, 48 or 71 - I was about 25 FEET from the subject, but I walked about 25 YARDS away behind a stand of trees so I was out of sight - shame on me, I neglected to indicate that I used a Canon 100-500 @ 500mm (at f11 and ISO 1000 as noted) I let the camera run until the batteries rat out around 3:00 AM so doing the math, that's 6 hours at 2 frames per minute (intervalometer set at 30 second exposures)so roughly 700 exposures of which six came out well and two competition worthy |
Aug 19th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
An absolutely outstanding nature story of two different species interacting in a confrontation of sorts so kudos, kudos - what I am unclear about is whatever is on the upper right of the image - would cropping that out and replacing violate the rules of your club? Regardless, I would still get rid of it and keep what's really worth keeping - this great interaction. Lastly, you might consider brightening the head of the house finch |
Aug 9th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Tomi,there's a strong emotional presence to this image and the subject's downward gaze gives it a sense of calmness. People respond to horses, so you picked a compelling subject, however, it's not well-separated from its background, which I think is one horse laying down but not sure what's on the left side of the horse that also merges. Meanwhile you captured great detail in the mane and coat so nice job. However, when an important part of a subject - like a horse's feet - are cropped out the image feels incomplete and taking the viewer out of the moment because it interrupts the narrative |
Aug 9th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Gaetan,
Your image suggests a serene and calm mood and mood is important in photography so nice job with that, but the issue is that the subject is unclear - the viewer's eye has no obvious focal point to rest on. The shoreline rocks, the distant houses, and the horizon all compete without a dominant element. Meanwhile, as composed the image is split between rocky foreground lacking detail and uninteresting open water, yet neither is strong enough to hold the viewer's interest. |
Aug 9th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Thank you Barbara, your comments mean a lot. My philosophy on photography has really changed over the last two years, especially since I've been doing more judging. My perspective has changed. And comments like these reinforce what I'm doing - thank you
|
Aug 9th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
OK, I'll try again - this is my THIRD attempt at including what was somehow dropped from my original review - there is real creative artistry in this image that goes beyond a nature shot - simple, clear and very effective, as I said, terrific job with this
|
Aug 4th |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Isaac, or do you prefer Doctor? Either way, I want to thank for taking the time to comment. I am curious, how did you happen upon this image since you're not in this DD group? Having asked that, thanks for doing so as I've now started viewing other groups myself :-) Also, no worries, I did not take that as a criticism. Besides, in nature photography capturing four hooves off the ground, a bird about to be swallowed by a crocodile or bat's tongue in the water is mostly serendipitous so you're advice to 'keep shooting' is spot on! Thanks again Best, |
Aug 3rd |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Judith - Superb focus and sharpness - which is no small feat with the subject in mid-flight. The head and thorax are tack-sharp-excellent. I also think the color harmony enhances the subject. Some might object to the wing blur, but I see it as a real plus - and although some context 'might' be nice, I wouldn't fool with it. You did a terrific job with this. |
Aug 2nd |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Tom - the strength of the image is its color, truly outstanding; its weakness is the lack of context, i.e., you captured a gorgeous sky, but without a human or wildlife element, it feels more observational than narrative. The composition is good but I think you could have punched up the image a bit - in my VF, I opened the shadows in the trees and added both texture and clarity to the clouds to help the image pop. |
Aug 2nd |
 |
| 7 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Excellent storytelling Hoshedar, and in nature photography, story is king, and you captured a strong narrative with spot on timing. The egret's bright plumage against the earthy tones helps the image pop, however, there's an old saying in photography "the background is as important as your subject" and the background is very busy and distracting; and while you have a compelling subject, it's not well-separated from its background making it difficult make out detail in subject's prey. As noted, this is an excellent image (story, story, story) At the same time however, I don't think the light was your friend - it appears taken mid-day and some of whites appear blown out. Nonetheless, a good shot with a good perspective |
Aug 2nd |
10 comments - 3 replies for Group 7
|
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Nice! |
Aug 19th |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Thank you Scott - my goal when light painting is to create an image people find interesting to examine - you validated what I was attempting. |
Aug 19th |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Welcome to the group Scott.
You really did a nice job introducing yourself with this image, so thanks. Whenever I review an image, I always look for the the high and the low and go from there. And my first impression is this image has immediate impact, that's the image's strength- anytime you can get wildlife looking directly into the lens at eye level, you've got a winner. The low meanwhile is that the subject's feet are cropped off. I believe people prefer seeing an entire subject, especially in wildlife. The other big plus is perspective although that was implied in my eye-level statement. Additionally, I think the square crop was a creative way to present this image - kudos.
I agree with Larry re: the DOF, would have preferred that the image was sharp throughout. You also might consider darkening the foreground and background and pumping up the colors in the subject's body, I think it would help the image pop.
Really a nice job and welcome aboard
|
Aug 18th |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Well, that makes three of us :-) |
Aug 6th |
 |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Thanks Bud - the next time shoot the MW in the fall and get some sleep! ;-)
|
Aug 6th |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Thank you David, your comments are taken to heart and appreciated |
Aug 6th |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
I've never been a big fan of wildlife portraits because they usually lack a story, however, in this case after seeing the out of camera shot kudos on your work in post. Nice soft lighting and excellent detail in the subject. You also have an excellent composition that fills the frame well. I feel the image doesn't connect with the viewer (at least not me) - that said, had the subject been looking into the camera it could have taken an already very nice portrait to another level. |
Aug 4th |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
The perspective caused me to feel that I was 'in-the-scene.' Good side lighting and terrific illustration of chicks in their environment. Some whites may be over exposed, but the biggest issue is busy, busy, busy - just too many distractions. My guess is it would be a good PSA nature shot but would not do as well in a club competition. |
Aug 4th |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Whenever I review an image, I ask myself, "what's the high & what's the low" i.e., what do I like best or what about the image has immediate impact for me; and then ask, what do I like least or what aspect of the image is unappealing or distracting.
The best aspect of the image is how you captured the curiosity and playfulness of the cubs and images of cubs, kittens, pups, etc. always do well in competitions. Anytime you can get an "Aw, isn't that cute" you usually have a winner. You did a great job of capturing a not so cuddly species making them cute. At the same time, I feel the image is a bit busy with too many distractions that diminish it somewhat. Compositionally the image is well done in spite of the distractions, but technically I suggest opening the shadows to get more detail in the cubs - I moved my LR slider to +65 and their coats really came out well.
The image makes me feel like I'm a witness to something special and an excellent capture of interaction and curiosity - as noted, in nature, story is king, and this is a great story.
A lower perspective would enhance its intimacy, but I also understand you were shooting from a vehicle. Nonetheless, nice job, this is a very interesting photo to look at.
|
Aug 3rd |
| 67 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
What a terrific experience being witness to this great nature story - wow! And we know, in nature photography, story is king! Obviously, the dynamic whipping of water droplets creates the drama leaving no doubt about the what's going on - your timing was impeccable for this capture so, kudos! When I opened the page on my computer, I was 95% sure what the subject and the action was, but I did hesitate and had to take a moment to read your title that it was a bear/prey interaction and not some other animal, although I don't know what else it could have been.
Great images come from compelling subjects separated from their background, so I understand your dilemma - but there's another aspect to nature photography that's equally valid - animals don't pose, nor do we control where they hunt or fish. So, if there's a downside to the image it's that the bear is not immediately recognizable, and your concern about separation from the background is valid - nonetheless, an outstanding image.
|
Aug 3rd |
6 comments - 4 replies for Group 67
|
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
No comparison between the two - Bosque has changed greatly because they're no longer leaving the grain - hence fewer and fewer birds - Nebraska is arduous - thanks for your comments |
Aug 13th |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Dave, if your goal was to convey solitude, emptiness, and the harshness of a desert environment you succeeded. While not a dramatic scene it is somewhat contemplative. I think the image would benefit from a COI, a clear center of interest or a focal point to anchor the image - perhaps a vehicle or a hiker or something to grab and hold the viewer's attention. In my VF I removed two elements of sagebrush (or what I think is sagebrush) and cropped down to place the horizon line at the 1/3 position in the frame |
Aug 10th |
 |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
I've never been to OZ but these landmarks are unmistakable giving the image a ton of visual interest. The fact that you stitched this together is mind boggling to me, just a great job with this. The wide panoramic format conveys the scope of the harbor, so mission accomplished and on a 10 pt scale, I'd give a 10+
You've created a very compelling cityscape with iconic subjects with multiple layers of interest. Technically and from a documentary perspective you nailed it, Ian. Compositionally, I think cropped in has even more impact - see my VF - with that said, even though I feel it does have more impact with the suggested crop, I'm not sure I would change anything - as I said, a 10+
|
Aug 10th |
 |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Raymond, the light breaking through the storm clouds is absolutely arresting, and the deep blacks and vivid greens create impact, visual interest and drama. Actually, there's an almost raw and other-worldly feel to the image and anytime an image can evoke an emotion it's a winner. Very creative image and compositionally VERY strong. One of the more high-impact images I've seen in these DD groups- just terrific! |
Aug 10th |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Wise choice :-) |
Aug 10th |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Reply |
Thanks for your kind words Ian - you have a great attitude about our art form :-) you words are much appreciated |
Aug 10th |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Peter - first of all, the image is flat out gorgeous - impact, visual interest and even a story, i.e. the setting sun. Your reflection is impeccable and keeping the sun below the bridge was true artistic craftsmanship - plus the thin clouds in front of the setting sun was the pièce de résistance. In my VF I cropped to place the top of the bridge on the upper rule of thirds line and felt the image presented even better as a pano. Dynamite Image! |
Aug 9th |
 |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Sherry - I think the strength of this is in the technical aspects, focus, exposure, sharpness all enhanced by good processing. You've also captured some nice color and best of all, a tranquil mood. The biggest downside is way too much sky (roughly 40% of the frame) Had the sky been interesting I'd say by all means keep it, but bluebird blue skies seldom enhance an image, nor are they effective negative space, they really function as major distractions from the subject. Certainly a pleasing image, but nothing really stands out to make it memorable |
Aug 9th |
 |
| 73 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Gary,this is a very pleasing quasi-hi-key image with a scene that conveys a sense of calm, freedom, and timelessness. The subject stands out well against the soft, pastel blue sea and sky creating a striking color contrast. And I think I would categorize this as a minimalist composition-with a ton of negative space drawing the viewer directly to the subject. I also feel there's a good story here, leading the viewer to imagine a long peaceful journey home. In my VF I re-cropped to accentuate the subject reduced the highlights and added texture and contrast to the sky and water thus removing the quasi high key look. If you were going for a quasi hi-key look, then you captured it, but you never used the term hi-key in your description, so I did not treat it as such - either way, a nice image |
Aug 8th |
 |
7 comments - 2 replies for Group 73
|
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Another high impact and intimate nature shot with great interaction - normally I shy away from uber tight crops, but this really works well and tells a great story - kudos. Great detail and technically and compositionally well-handled - just an outstanding image - this is a beaut Roy... |
Aug 11th |
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
A high impact image captured in a mid-action interaction and an open beak "conversation" really brings this image to life. Peter, you made great use of light and as usual your subjects are technically flawless. The soft grass in the foreground grabs the eye, but frankly I don't know how you get around that and still have a foreground with a soft background - a most original nature image. |
Aug 11th |
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Julia, what an inherently photogenic subject that you managed to capture in a calm and poised moment. That you captured this amount of detail from 25 feet away makes me glad that I too own an R5 - congrats on having the subject pop as much as you have with tack sharp focus and outstanding detail - you brought the image to life. I thought Roy's suggestion about darkening the birdbath was a good one, nonetheless, this is a winner regardless of the modification - just a terrific job |
Aug 11th |
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Kathleen - excellent capture especially the detail in the subject, but there's nothing particularly memorable about a heron standing on a stick looking out over a pond - however, the subject is beautiful and you captured it perfectly so I thought you should show off what you did extremely well (the capture of the subject) and minimize the environment that pulls the eye away from the subject however slight - see my VF, I darkened the environment in addition to the crop |
Aug 10th |
 |
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Ditto! - a more interesting image using Roy's crop AND lightening the subject's left eye |
Aug 10th |
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
A picture is worth a thousand words - see my VF, I cropped in and darkened the foreground a bit |
Aug 10th |
 |
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Thanks Peter - I realize this is more of a documentary shot rather than one with a degree of photographic artistry, but it was an adventure |
Aug 6th |
| 97 |
Aug 25 |
Comment |
Thanks Roy and I don't blame you - I swear, I do not recall being so cold. Re: the crop, I see you point, however, and it's an idiosyncrasy of mine - I almost never go any less than a 4x6 format and usually a bit of a pano with images featuring a lot of landscape. Having said that, now that I look at the image again, I might crop down a bit to go more pano - but the title is Sandhill Cranes, which meant the entire scene - nonetheless, a good call on your part - be well |
Aug 6th |
8 comments - 0 replies for Group 97
|
31 comments - 9 replies Total
|
