Horseshoe crabs spawning by moonlight

[SJD]

Hi all

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post, so apologies in advance for any faux pas on my part.

I'd very much like feedback, especially harsh but constructive critique, on the above image. I'm trying to produce compelling, intersting, eye-catching images of animals in their natural surroundings. Does this image succeed at all for you? If not, what would make it better? What does this image say to you, about the animals depicted and their habitat?

Thanks very much for looking. I look forward to learning from you all!

Cheers

Stephen

[Sterling]

EXIF data is requirement for critique photos. It helps provide technical suggestions to improve your photo.

The main problem I see is that without the title, the subject would be unrecognizable as crabs. It could just as well be an unremarkable shot of a rocky shoreline rather than a really interesting shot of the crabs. I realize it is at night but I think the crabs themselves need to lightened so the viewer can see what they are. Some dodging may be sufficient here. Or you may want to reshoot, if you can.

[SJD]

Hi Sterling - thanks very much for the advice - much appreciated! I totally agree with your point re too dark and not able to recognize the subject. Will try to do it differently next time.

Regarding the exif data - it is all there on Flickr, where the image is hosted. Is there a way to have it show up here automatically, or do I just need to transcribe it into the post? Sorry - new at this! Cheers

Stephen

Originally Posted by Sterling

EXIF data is requirement for critique photos. It helps provide technical suggestions to improve your photo.

The main problem I see is that without the title, the subject would be unrecognizable as crabs. It could just as well be an unremarkable shot of a rocky shoreline rather than a really interesting shot of the crabs. I realize it is at night but I think the crabs themselves need to lightened so the viewer can see what they are. Some dodging may be sufficient here. Or you may want to reshoot, if you can.

[Sterling]

No automatic exif. You'll have to cut and paste.

[SJD]

Aha! Thanks again

Stephen

[inkista]

Yeah, without your tagline, it's kind of hard to tell that your subjects are horseshoe crabs. But that you got the shot at all is pretty cool, given how under threat these guys are. Getting closer up might have helped, too, if you were able to, but that's an eternal quest with wildlife photography.

You may want to try a curves adjustment to bring up the exposure.