Anna Proczek
August 2026 - Eye to Eye
Original
About the Image(s)
I was driving by an alpaca farm in winter and it just started snowing. I saw the alpacas outside behind the fence and decided to stop by for a visit.
ISO 200, 56mm, f5.5, 1/1600 sec.
5 comments posted
I really like the tighter crop, which creates an intimate portrait and draws the viewer into the alpaca's expressive eye. The winter setting and falling snow add to the story and give the image a sense of place. I prefer a color balance somewhere between the original and the processed version, preserving the natural winter feel while adding a bit of richness to the fur. If permitted, I would also consider a subtle cleanup around the eye and a slight enhancement of the catchlight to strengthen the connection with the viewer. Overall, this is a charming environmental portrait that captures both personality and the season. Posted: 08/01/2026 01:11:04
Hi Anna. I like the tight crop. It brings us in really close to the animal and I think it's a different view to what we might usually see. I'd consider darkening down that out of focus area on its nose and bring out some more light in the eye. You could also crop up a little to remove the grass as I don't think it's really adding anything to the story. I think the snow really makes it. Posted: 08/02/2026 05:16:41
Hi Anna, I find when doing a drive by I am always a mile down the road before my brain says "Hey, that could make a good photo". But defitely worth the stop and getting in close saves it from a simple farmyard shot and allows us to see the dusting of snow.
I am not so much a fan of the crunchy texture in its coat. I really like to soft winter tones in the original so maybe dial back the texture and use some saturation in its coat to make it pop a little. And I quite like the glimpses of snowy background in the original too. Posted: 08/03/2026 01:30:08
I am not so much a fan of the crunchy texture in its coat. I really like to soft winter tones in the original so maybe dial back the texture and use some saturation in its coat to make it pop a little. And I quite like the glimpses of snowy background in the original too. Posted: 08/03/2026 01:30:08
Anna, I'm impressed with your originality and creativity. Going with a tight crop was perfect.
Because I liked what you did, I decided to go even tighter. At the same time, I added a bit of contrast to the eye, darkened the background, and slightly increased the camel's saturation. What do you think?
Posted: 08/15/2026 13:35:34
Because I liked what you did, I decided to go even tighter. At the same time, I added a bit of contrast to the eye, darkened the background, and slightly increased the camel's saturation. What do you think?
Posted: 08/15/2026 13:35:34
Anna, it's a wonderful shot - I have nothing to add.... Posted: 08/24/2026 08:12:27