This Eagle Hoots!

Critiques [Translate]

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• trinko (4321)
• [2007-05-08 9:59]
• [+]

good colors and nice action but the focus is a bit soft and i think increaseing contrast would make the owl look better.

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• Raptorman (10388)
• [2007-05-08 10:12]
• [+]

Hello Beverly , very impressive photo for owl's mood and angry behaviour , good balanced portrait , TFS and good luck...

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• jaycee (25460)
• [2007-05-08 11:03]
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Hi Beverley,

That is some close-up! Love that you caught him with the open mouth. Also really like the eye! Good details of the face.

Jane

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• MMM (11425)
• [2007-05-08 14:38]
• [+]

Hi Beverly
Nice portrait of that owls.Sharp image , I realy like the eye and the fact that is mouth is open.

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• snowfalken (1788)
• [2007-05-09 7:43]
• [+]

Hello Beverley,

Although a bit to late, I would first like to wish you a warm welcome to TN! This is a place you will like and most of all, you will be able to learn a lot about wildlife and photography!
I had a short "tour" through your gallery and found a person who "is not looking for photographic excellence but more for artistic composition". There is something I learned: it is the photographer the one who takes the picture, not the camera. A great photographer will take great photos with almost any camera and vice versa, a bad photographer would take bad pictures even with the most expensive and sophisticated camera. Good luck!

Here is a detailed critique:

Composition:

Basically you composed the image pretty well! You placed the most important thing (the face) in a powerful point of the picture to give it the importance it needs (you followed the rule of thirds)! But as the composition defines the relationship between the objects and the picture borders, I would also pay close attention to the empty space around the subject and the way you distributed it throughout the picture. You will find the photo more appealing if there was more empty space in front of the eagle. The subject needs some space to look into.
A great asset is the pose of the raptor! You captured an excellent profile that can easily be read against the background. This is a positive point as the viewers can identify the subject from the first glance. Also, having a blurred BG, improves your shot a lot. This picture wouldn't look so great if the BG was too crowded.

Colors:

The colors in your picture look natural and well saturated. I like the fact that the area richest in color tones is the portrait. This helps drawing attention to the face of the subject.

Contrast:

I find the overall contrast to be a little bit low. I would have increased it a bit, at least in the foreground. The low contrast in the BG is actually an asset since it doesn't get too distracting.

Exposure:

Although you didn't use a hi-tech camera, you exposed the image perfectly. That means the details were not overexposed in the highlights or underexposed in the shadows. See the area under the eyebrows, or inside the beak? The details here are perfectly visible. In strong sunlight the shadows would become black if no fill flash was used. You even captured some reflections in the eye!
I'm not looking so much at the low noise in the BG since it is less important in the overall look of the picture. Only high noise levels can destroy a photo.

Focus:

Focus is very important as it can ruin the best composition if not achieved properly. Your subject is in good focus! The sharpness is decent and can be improved in PP if needed.

Very well done! I would prefer a simple frame but this is just my preference. Also, some informations about this species and shooting conditions would be useful. Thank you!

With Friendly Regards,
Eddie

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• isa (252)
• [2007-05-09 17:18]
• [+]

HI Berveley,
Great composition and focus, good colours. Beautiful eagle,
Congartulations,
Regards,
Isa

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• deblink (1258)
• [2007-05-23 22:20]
• [+]

Hi Beverley,
I am impressed with your image of this owl. It is nicely cropped and the all the detail can be seen well. Nice lighting. I used to have a Boobook (not sure how to spell it) that would visit around a former property I owned and I loved its sound at night but I never did get to see it. Great image.
Cheers,
Debbie