Swan

[Lurch]

If i had to pick my best photo so far it would have to be this one. I know it is a simple photo but technically i think it is a good shot, i am considering sending it in to a photography magazine and just wondered what the more experienced toggers here think of it. I'm not after massively in depth critique just wether or not if it were your shot would you be confident in sending it in to a panel of judges. Please be brutal, it's all well and good the family members saying that it is a good picture but i would really like some impartial advice on this one. Thanks for looking :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/marcbibby/swandrip-dp.jpg


Camera: Nikon D40X
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/4.2
Focal Length: 120 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire


LARGE VERSION (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2188670629&context=set-72157603700070314&size=l)

[jonny4now]

I really enjoy the color tone of the water, and the softness of the ripple. I would try and "whiten" up the head a bit to be more uniform with the nicer white on the little guys back. Also, I think if you cropped it a bit closer so that the swan is more in the lower right corner a bit more that might help...so its not floating no pun intended) so much. Have you tried a B&W version?

[jiminyClickit]

Lurch,

http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10892

Here are some new rules recently added to go along with our new Critique Section. It is actually for more in-depth Critique, so a EXIF is required, and if you have a very specific question for Critiquers, that will get a better response too.

[windrider86]

I especially like the dripping water of its beak but to be honest with you am not so sure about the color of the water. It seems to be an odd color to me. You might also try to whiten up the head and neck a little bit.
and byt he way,

here is your exif info

1/400, f4.2.120mm, iso 100 , flash did not fire

[Sandie]

This is a nice image, but I keep wanting to flip it and crop it so that the swan is closer to the upper left corner floating down towards the bottom right. (not sure that can be done?)

I agree with the others that the head needs to be a touch whiter, but I like the color of the water. I would probably do something to play up the little bit of pink that is in the water color.

As far as sending it into a magazine, I would always encourage that, but think about the quality and the purpose of the contest. Look at past entries and see if your work compares, if you think it does by all means go for it!!! Keep getting your work out there.

[Sandie]

here are my 2 minute suggestions....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandiemg/2219410191/" title="testing 3 by sandiemg, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2219410191_de822f167e.jpg" width="500" height="312" alt="testing 3" /></a>

[Dr. WooD]

I really like Sandie's edit. The water color doesn't do much for me. I do like the reflection, and the water dripping thou.

[Lurch]

Thanks to everyone for the input, i have more than enough to go on for now, i will have a play with it today and post up my efforts.
The water colour does intrigue me a little, not quite sure why it came out that way, i'm guessing the white balance was wrong:(

[jiminyClickit]

Lurch,

Have you read the guidelines?

[Lurch]

Lurch,

Have you read the guidelines?

Yes sir indeed i have. Will wait till 2morrow :)