I took this somewhat OOTB photo on my last Costa Rica workshop (I do occasionally take a photo of a non-avian subject!). I chose to deliberately underexpose so as to enhance the backlit effect. I'm very interested in feedback (positive or negative) on this image.
Canon 1Dx, 600 mm, f/4, 1/3200, ISO 640, manual exposure, hand held from boat
HI Doug, this works very well because of the structures on the croc's skin. I'd be inclined to elminate all of the BG. Because the lighting on the croc is so minimal, I feel that all those leaves really distract from the subject, an effect that is enhanced by the color they bring to the otherwise almost two tone image. I think removing them would enhance the strength of your image a lot.
My first thought was about eliminating the leaves and I see Jerry agrees. Leave the croc in the darkness alone. Perhaps a pano crop???? Very interesting perspective you have here.
Doug, I love the light on the crocs back and head. Just enough to know what he is. And just enough to know he is alert and waiting to move. I too, am in favour of losing the leaves by toning them right down or painting them out. Particularly the bright ones on RHS.
Hey Doug, very nicely executed image here! I like the brooding darkness.
I actually like the grass lining on top, but might just opt for a tad less of it?
Hi Doug -- I too loved the what you have tried to execute but certainly eliminating the leaves from the top entirely by opting a pano crop will work much better .