Featherby
CitadelComment by snaffles: Greetings from the Critique Club!
Initial impression: lovely study in textures and lines, though lacking a bit in visual impact. Long portrait orientation is an interesting choice.
Technical: As has been noted, composition could be a little stronger; here it looks shot from directly overhead, which makes for a tougher shot. Dof works well with background oof, but that straw 2/3 the way down does slow down the flow of the feather tremendously.
Artistic: Don't know if b/w was the best way to go here, tends to make it a little washy.
FWIW: I would've carefully plucked away the topmost blades of grass/straw, that would leave feather undisturbed, to show off whole length of feather and banding to advantage. Probably would have rotated camera to give it more of a diagonal/leading lines thing. And would have left it in colour, or gone b/w and really whacked the levels and curves sliders around to emphasize the feather.
Overall not a bad shot, just needs a little more tweaking. Don't be afraid to move obstructions out of your way if it'll help you get a better shot. Keep up the good work!
Feel free to PM me with any questions,
Susan
Photographer found comment helpful.