Wildswanby
AlexSaberiComment by David.C: Congrats on a new personal best with this 7+ top-5 finish.
What first draws my attention in this image is the tonality -- this is true of any well done *-toned image, and this one does it well. From the textures of the white feathers, to the rippling of the water and OOF distant shore; the tonalities bring out the textures and make this image stand out.
The exposure, as I said is perhaps a bit high, losing a small amount of detail on the back and doesn't seem to have a true black. A quick look at a histogram confirms this, so a bit more dynamic range was available to you; a touch more contrast to make the subtle details pop.
The composition is perfect -- I have nothing to add to what has already been said other than to mention again how well the full reflection balances the peacefulness of the scene. A peacefulness that is disturbed only by the extra negative space to the left and the slight rustling of the wings that give the image motion into it. These are the one signes of wildness, and subtle signs they are, that are present in the image.
With such a well executed image I was willing to take for granted the swan is wild -- so this subtlety is a bonus. Although it could be said, hiting the viewer with a more obvious showing of a wild streak would have been better received by the voters, I don't think it would have added to the scene any. Swans depict a soothing calmness that is evident in the carefree way they float on the water -- sublety fits them far better, IMO.
Considering the competition, I believe this images placement in the top-5 is exactly where it should be. With this entry and the additional top-5 image I see you have already added to this one, I expect to see you on the front page in the very near future. Good luck on future challenges.
David
Critique Club
Photographer found comment helpful.
