Nice, Anil. Focus seems sharp here on my work computer. I'm thinking I'd be tempted to crop things in a little closer, but this crop with the blade of grass on viewer's right is also interesting.
It does look nicely sharp and well-exposed, and a nice pose, but I think the crop could be improved. The grass does add a nice balance to the bird, but it's too close to the edge for my taste. If there is more canvas to the right, I'd add it back, or it would be easy to move the grass to the left, if you don't mind manipulating images. The large amount f negative space in the center of the image is a problem, for me.
I like the idea of the reflection but cutting its head off pulls attention away from the bird. I keep wanting to find the missing head. If it were me, I would clone the water at partial opacity over the bottom part of the reflection, to give the effect of a vignette. It could look natural if done right. Otherwise I'd crop from the bottom, but the reflection will still look cut off, wherever you crop. If it's all there in the original, I'd consider going with a looser crop.
This is all in the realm of artistry, of course, which isn't what many people are looking for in their images. Here's an interpretation. I also desaturated the green at the top and added canvas there, an did a subtle darkening at the bottom, to give the image more of a base to sit on.
Beautiful bird. I am especially captivated by the light on the bird's head and neck.
When I first saw the image, I thought much the same as what I read in Diane's response: that the reflection, as is, detracts from the image. That either minimizing it or including the whole reflection would improve the image.
IMG_2025 by stray light, on Flickr
grey heron
Anil Skumar thanked for this post
Posting Permissions
