I liked the position of this Snail Kite just above the water surface where
it was about to snatch an apple snail. As you can see, I added a bit of
canvas to the top to make a more pleasing composition. I'm submitting it
for any critical input but particularly for your thoughts about the lower
right hand corner where slight ripples appear. I decided during processing
that they were too faint and became a distraction, yet I liked them in order
to show the context of the bird's position above the water. Using a
gradient adjustment, I darkened and added some dehaze to that corner. I
also sharpened with Topaz and may have made a very slight vignette. I may
have taken out some of the white highlights and almost always use NIK.
Sony a9II, 400mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 2500.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving,
This round’s discussion is now closed! 8 comments posted
Pamela Hoaglund
What a beautiful image Mike. So sharp and packed full of action. I like that you added more canvas at the top and made it more of a vertical image. I also like the ripples in the lower right corner as it tells you he is over water. For me it gives him a place in the environment and not just hanging in the air. Posted: 12/12/2020 19:36:14
Pamela Hoaglund
What a beautiful image Mike. So sharp and packed full of action. I like that you added more canvas at the top and made it more of a vertical image. I also like the ripples in the lower right corner as it tells you he is over water. For me it gives him a place in the environment and not just hanging in the air. Posted: 12/12/2020 20:44:01
Sharon Prislipsky
Personally, I think it is perfect! The ripples at the bottom help tell the story of the bird being over water, and I like the extra bit of space at the top. I would not change one thing about this. I am certain it is a winner! Posted: 12/13/2020 10:27:15
LC Boros
(Group 90)
Lovely image. My only suggestion is to re-crop to have the bird a bit more to the left and maintain the original aspect (although flipped to portrait from the original landscape.) Posted: 12/13/2020 19:26:32
Mike Cohen
That's a good suggestion. Probably a 4 x 5 aspect ratio would work well. Thanks Posted: 12/15/2020 17:38:54
I like the image as you have presented it. I do like the ripples. They add to the story. I know where this strong bird is headed, and what it wants down there. Well done. Posted: 12/17/2020 09:27:03
Ally Green
Amazing footage of this Kite in action and love the outstretched claws waiting to grab onto its prey...full of intent with the focus and concentration in the eye. I like it just the way it is and even would consider adding more ripples to the water as to me it adds context. Nicely done. Posted: 12/21/2020 10:57:18
Judith Lesnaw
That Kite is leaping right out of the canvas. The claw, beak, and intense stare leave no doubt of his intent. The power in those wings, the detail in the feathers, AND those wonderful ripples add to the action. What a great catch on your part--and I bet that Kite got his. Posted: 12/24/2020 16:39:42
