Lines and patterns with wildlife subjects

[Shutteraddict]

I have been looking to incorporate lines and patterns whenever possible while shooting various wildlife subjects. I created this image recently, and would appreciate any feedback regarding composition, camera settings, processing, or anything else thats on your mind. Thnx

Canon REBEL T2I
EFS 55-250mm
f/13
1/250 sec.
ISO 800
Focal length 171mm
Slightly cropped
Processed RAW file

[Chip]

I have a hard time critiquing this photo, but I'll give it a try.

While I like the abstract aspect that the lines/shapes and reflection give to this photo, I wonder if it's too much of a good thing? Would a tighter crop keep enough of the lines/shapes but let the viewer focus more on the bird and its reflection?

And I don't know if it was possible at the time you took the photo, but my sense is that taking it from a lower angle would give the photo more depth and more interest.

Finally, have you tried lightening the bird a bit? Being able to see more of the bird's details might be a plus.

Good eye and creative photo.

[Shutteraddict]

Thanks for the thoughts! Wow, I almost forgot I posted shots on this blog lol. Its been like crickets and tumbleweeds for the few shots I have posted. To answer, I've tried tighter crops which end up chopping the top or bottom beam out. This does focus a little more on the crow yes. But I personally think the line and shape aspect which is the focus get completely lost in that case. Also, I have some very nice subject and reflection shots, so cropping so much more of the shot out to make it focus on the subject and reflection in this case seems like a waste of time that would result in a strong digital zoom. No need to do that when I have near full frame shots of that sort. Also, a lower angle was impossible in this case. I always try and get at ground level with such subjects when I can. Not being able to in this case is what made me make lines pattterns the focus rather than it being a "Bird Portrait". That being said, I did process the raw file for a black and white silhoutte effect, but perhaps your observation regarding the lightening of the main subject to make him "pop" a little more is worth looking into. I am going to isolate the bird on the next go at processing and see how the shot turns out with the subject less silhouted. Muchas Gracias You critique has given me a new way to look at and experiment with the file!