A few summers ago, I took this photo during an outdoor visit to a local zoo in bright, late morning sunlight. I exposed on the bird causing the water to be a very dark background, which I wanted. I submitted two photos’; one of the full bird with its full side profile with more color and detail. The second image is a crop of the first while trying to emphasize the eye since it is looking directly at me while I took the photo.
I prefer the cropped image because it tells me more of a story, but I’m interested in what other group members think, which in your opinion is the better photo and why. Other comments/recommendations are also welcome.
Equipment used: Full frame camera body, 70-200mm zoom set at 173mm, 1/250 sec., f/11, ISO 200
This round’s discussion is now closed! 10 comments posted
Tom Buckard
Jim, I can't give you the answer that you want. Both images are gorgeous in their own right. The close up looks like a fine art image with exquisite detail and the other a portrait with almost a low key background. Both are excellent. Posted: 03/01/2025 17:08:51
Jim Overfield
Thanks Tom. I'm not entirely happy with my crop, and will continue to play around with it. Posted: 03/05/2025 10:59:21
Michael Braunstein
It is a very beautiful image. I think it can be improved by decreasing the exposure,uping the contrast, decreasing the whites and adding some black. Posted: 03/01/2025 19:28:57
Jim Overfield
Thanks Michael. I tried different variations of your post processing suggestions without success. Please feel free to download and show me your version. Thanks again Michael. Posted: 03/07/2025 13:19:41
Leslie Larson
I prefer the one with more of the gorgeous feathers featured. The eye on this bird is not its best feature...kind of blah, but it's good you have it looking at you. I like it the way it is, I wouldn't change a thing except maybe not cropping quite so close? Posted: 03/02/2025 12:06:18
Jim Overfield
I agree, and will continue to play with the image to find a more suitable composition that can feature the eye. It is still a feature that I am most attracted to. Thanks Leslie. Posted: 03/05/2025 13:07:13
Mike Cowdrey
For me, the whole bird is more successful than the cropped version. I think that the eye definition can be improved with some haze removal followed by a degree of shadow brightness! Posted: 03/10/2025 06:01:34
Jim Overfield
Thanks Mike. Posted: 03/13/2025 05:12:59
Jim Overfield
Mike, I played with your recommendations and do see an improvement to my image. Thanks for your efforts. Posted: 03/28/2025 18:56:46
