Wildlife - Peregrine Falconby
pstuhrComment by BAMartin: Critique Club Critique
(1) COMPOSITION (CONTENT) This is an great wildlife photograph. The subjec is just marvolous, and I love the detail, expecially in his eyes and the feathers on his back.
(2) BACKGROUND The blue sweatshirt of the handler is a bit distracting because it is so bright. I wonder if it would have been possible to move a little to the left and cut that out, although you would have been looking directly at the front of the bird. I understand that might not have been possible in this case, but the background is something that photographers sometimes forget to look at through the viewfinder. For me, its worth the few extra seconds to glance at it before snapping the shutter.
The other part of the background is perfect. The colors are subdued and its totally out of focus. There are no distractions there.
(3) CAMERA WORK ,TECHNICAL The DOF is very good, all of the important parts are in sharp focus. I love the details on the bird, the feathers and the beak and the eyes. There is a very nice catch light reflected in the eye that give the bird such and "alive" feel.
The front of the bird is just a trifle dark because it is facing away from the sun. I do not know if you had any influence over the handler, but if he could have turned the bird just a bit into the sun, it would have made this into a prize winning photo.
(4) DIGITAL PROCESSING ,TECHNICAL Your post processing is good. Saturation is good. The colors just pop here and there is certainly that "wow" factor. Your cropping is excellent. By cropping it this way, the birds eye falls into the rule of thirds position.
(5)MEETING THE CHALLENGE This does an excellent job of meeting the challenge.
(6) MY OPINION ON THE PHOTO The subject here is wonderful. The way you executed it is great. This is a photograph that you should be proud of.
Photographer found comment helpful.