Taken back in November on an overcast day.
40D
f 5.6
ISO 400
1/500s
AV Mode, Evaluative +1 1/3
BB @ -2
Tripod
100-400 @ 400
30 percent crop
Comments/ suggestions appreciated.
Thanks!
Last edited by Jackie Schuknecht; 04-11-2009 at 10:17 AM.
The soft light really helped you here, with excellent whites and nice detail in the blacks. The eye looks very lively. I like the composition and the tiny water drop on the head.
My only constructive thought would be to have tried a smaller aperture to get the tip of the bill a bit more in focus.
Excellent details, you really capture the texture of the bare skin nicely. I like the tiny water drops on the head. I'd probably do some minor work on the eye to get the iris more visible (but being careful not to overdo it)...but overall very well done!
I really like the composition, head angle and the soft light helped a lot. Wider DOF might have been good but you could selectively sharpen bill and neck if you want.
Did some more sharpening of the neck/bill area. Not too sure about the eye, think I will leave it for now.
Thanks You for taking the time to look and critique, it is appreciated:)
I found the eye quite charming on the original post. I appreciate Daniel's comment, but really thought it was engaging as posted. The bill does look better to me.
Hi Jackie, the eye didn't need much. When the iris is already faintly visible on the original, 99.9% of the time I like to selectively "enhance" it a little via the dodge tool. While at it I eliminated the extra reflection in the lower part of the eye. You may or may not like it better but I find this gives some more life and "connection" with the viewer. What do you think?
Mute Swan Portrait
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote