Heron: I would like this except for one thing. I didn't get the whole of the left wing in shot. Put it down to poor technique I suppose. Am I being over sensitive if I consign it to...

simonbowen Loc: hampton court uk

I would like this except for one thing. I didn't get the whole of the left wing in shot. Put it down to poor technique I suppose.
Am I being over sensitive if I consign it to the 'nearly' file? Interested in any views.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Simon, if I were looking to shoot a heron in action, I would be more than happy with this one :)

Only you can say whether it's a keeper or not, but one thought is to crop a little closer so that "just the wingtip" isn't the only part missing. Would you like to see what I have in mind?

simonbowen Loc: hampton court uk

Linda From Maine wrote:

Simon, if I were looking to shoot a heron in action, I would be more than happy with this one :)

Only you can say whether it's a keeper or not, but one thought is to crop a little closer so that "just the wingtip" isn't the only part missing. Would you like to see what I have in mind?

Go for it!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

simonbowen wrote:

Go for it!

This:

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

simonbowen wrote:

I would like this except for one thing. I didn't get the whole of the left wing in shot. Put it down to poor technique I suppose.
Am I being over sensitive if I consign it to the 'nearly' file? Interested in any views.

Good to see you and your heron, Simon, welcome back! I think it's a beautiful image. Of course I'd rather have the whole wing as would you, but it's too fine to discard.

I agree with Linda that cropping further might make it look less accidental and focus attention on the beautiful qualities of the shot - the graceful pose and the excellent detail in the bird and his lunch. I might also work a bit more on the shadows if it were me, but there's nothing wrong with how it is now, so strictly a matter of preference.

simonbowen Loc: hampton court uk

Thanks Linda.
When I first saw it I thought 'absolutely not'. Then I thought a bit more and you might just be right ....

simonbowen Loc: hampton court uk

Thanks Minnie. I'll sleep on Linda's crop (as it were!)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

simonbowen wrote:

Thanks Minnie. I'll sleep on Linda's crop (as it were!)

:-D

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I should have explained my thought process beyond just taking emphasis off one tiny clipped wing portion.

For most viewers, I think this shot is going to be all about the fish in the bird's beak. Now we have it a bit closer, a more intimate feeling of being there watching the action live. The clarity of the most important area, the interest of churning water from where the fish was just snatched, the angle at which photographed - those are the strengths IMO.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Quite the hiatus simon, nice to see you back. Hope you don't mind my version. Yes in answer to your question. I don't think anyone will notice the wing tip work and brought out a bit more detail. Be sure to download and compare. You have a wonderful shot here.

(Download)

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

When somethings in the nearly file its very rare its gonna work with a new crop or different PP etc. Pretty obvious it needs the whole wing to make the grade and you know you would never be truly happy with a cropped result. A good snapper knows whats right and whats not.
Bad technique? Not at all my man just something all us snappers do. Its otherwise technically very sound and a great moment captured

Dave Chinn

simonbowen wrote:

I would like this except for one thing. I didn't get the whole of the left wing in shot. Put it down to poor technique I suppose.
Am I being over sensitive if I consign it to the 'nearly' file? Interested in any views.

This is a keeper for sure !!! There's so many variations of crops you could do. Experiment and see what is suitable for you. I would even go as far as cropping just the herons face and the fish.
Dave

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Dave Chinn wrote:

This is a keeper for sure !!! There's so many variations of crops you could do. Experiment and see what is suitable for you. I would even go as far as cropping just the herons face and the fish.
Dave

I was just going to suggest that. Portrait style. It is sharp enough and detailed enough that I think you can do it.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

I love the color play. The cool steel colored look of the water and the bird and fish contrasted against the sharp hot beak and legs and land. I find the image beautiful with lots of detail eye candy.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

simonbowen wrote:

I would like this except for one thing. I didn't get the whole of the left wing in shot. Put it down to poor technique I suppose.
Am I being over sensitive if I consign it to the 'nearly' file? Interested in any views.

Hi, Simon,
'Tiz a keeper in my book! It is an interesting and very unusual perspective....45°downward is hard to achieve with wading species. What were the circumstances? A view from a bridge or elevated walkway?

Dave