i like it, but criticism appreciated

[Patrick]

Re: i like it, but criticism appreciated

Of course I agree. However, some degree of creativity is needed as well as getting the technical things right. In fairness I like the colours, and I like the low viewpoint of the shot. It needs more though, after all its a moorhen

Hi Stephen
You obviously aren't a wildlife photographer (any more than I am, although I do try unsuccessfully)
Creativity photography in natural history circles is not encouraged, they want sharp clear pictures showing the bird in its environment, doing its natural things feeding, swimming nesting, raising its young. There are strict guide lines as to what adjustments can be made in photoshop, confining the author to contrast control some limited cloning (must not change the environment) and cropping.
So yes, unless the pictures are absolutely stunning they can be boring.

Patrick

[Gina]

Re: i like it, but criticism appreciated

So Dave, you have to ask yourself WHY? Now it could be just general apathy, I don't know. However if the pictures been posted on a bird forum gallery, it has to be said there is nothing to stimulate much comment and critique IMHO. To me its just a DUCK and to be frank that's pretty boring. You have simply pointed the camera at the bird and clicked. As has already been been said it has technical shortcomings, but you also need to instil something else into the picture in order to make it worth looking at and worthy of comment. Even my son (21 and home from Uni) who was looking over my shoulder, and knows little about photography, but has a good 'eye', commented that it was a pretty boring photo, and that the duck was doing nothing to make it more interesting. I'm afraid I had to agree with him.

I have always respected you Stephen, as a Professional you must know what you're doing. I have to say is that this particular critique a little too personal in my opinion. We all have to learn how to deal with criticism about our work, after all, we are ALL still learning aren't we? Why did you have to mention your son's thoughts?

I respect everyone who is part of this forum and feel your critique very personal and disrespectful on this occasion.

With respect

Gina

[Stephen]

Re: i like it, but criticism appreciated

Gina, I'm not sure now whether to back off or stand my ground on this issue. I certainly don't want to be disrespectful. However I am someone who prefers to say it like it is, and in fairness you did comment

It's not being 'nasty', it's being constructive and honest. Who wants 'nice job' 'well captured' comments all the time?

[Gina]

Re: i like it, but criticism appreciated

I should have PM'd you Stephen, I'm sorry, please just take my comments as they're written. It just felt very personal to me. You don't have to justify yourself to me, I stand by my words and believe that critique should be your own thoughts not someone else's so it was quite a surprise when I read your post.

Th th th.. that's all !

[mib2]

Re: i like it, but criticism appreciated

Hi Guys

Passion and photography - love it.

Dave R

[coupekid]

Re: i like it, but criticism appreciated

OK, I am going to comment before reading what others have said.

I love wildlife photography, and as such, love looking at pictures like this.

On the positive side, I love the angle, a lot of people just stand up and click downwards, the key to good wildlife photography is to get on the same eye level as the subject, which I can see you have attempted here.

However, the horizon doesnt appear to be straight, the colours are very harsh, I am guessing you have sharpened the image, what looks like a tad too much, possibly to compensate for the lack of focus on the head.