Snowy Egret "In the Dark

Tom, welcome to Avian. First let me encourage you to post both the 720px and 1200px images when you post an image. One of the great things about NPN is the ability to post a large image that makes critiquing so much easier.

Back to your image. I like the black and white elements. The water reflections on the bird are nice as well. I can't comment on overall image quality given the small size of the image.

Lastly, you say in your comments that no cropping was done to the image. I am not sure how you got the pano presentation without cropping.

Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Tom, as Ron B. said, welcome to the Avian Critique forum.

Ron B. said he wasn't sure how you got the pano comp if no cropping was done. I see that you used a black frame around the image and that is how it appears that this is a pano crop. The image itself is only 448 pixels wide by 298 pixels in height, much to small to do a critique of critical sharpness and detail. Posting both the small 720 pixel (on the long side) and the 1200 pixel version (on the long side) will enable the NPN member's to more throughly critique your image.

You also said not photo editing was done and I presume that means you didn't sharpen the file. Digital images almost always need sharpening.

I like the pose of the Snowy Egret but I find that there isn't enough space for my tastes at the bottom for the parts of the legs under the water, you could have zoomed back to include space for them.

Ron and Mia, Thank you for your comments and advice. I am re-uploading the image as requested to 1024x768 and will do so going forward.

The larger version helps considerably, as well as seeing it without the misleading black frame.

This is a nice effect and adds some drama to a common species. I'd try it slightly brighter. I'd prefer a little better separation of the black beak from the background (that might happen if you go slightly brighter), and a touch more room on the left and bottom would help as well.

Hi, Tom. Welcome. I really like the overall feel of this image, and I like the contrast. It really brings the focus on the intensity of the bird.

Tom, thanks for reposting the 720 pixel version, it is much easier to evaluate details at this size and the 1200 pixel versions too.

I agree with Rich D., I'd like to see this a little brighter and with more contrast between the dark bill and the background. I also think the bird could use a touch of sharpening and it appears soft. Sharpening would also help to bring out a bit more detail in the plumage. More space at the bottom and left side would help the composition.

Welcome to NPN Tom!
The others have made some great suggestions, so enough said.
Looking forward to more posts from you