Penguins

[eduisfine]

Hi all,
this is a picture I took of a penguin taking care of her newly hatched chicks, in Patagonia (Argentina). I can't help feeling it was a great photo opportunity but maybe I didn't make the most of it. Any ideas on how I could have improved it?
Camera settings: 102mm - f/10 - 1/160s - ISO100
Post-production: B/W and some minor adjustments

[Hil85]

wow what a family shot. it looks so protecting and caring. I think this shot shows a lot of emotion. I would maybe clone out the peguin that is on the right side of the shot it is not valuable to the shot. but all in all Great shot. Way to go good job!

[epeyton@tampabay.rr.com]

Originally Posted by Hil85

wow what a family shot. it looks so protecting and caring. I think this shot shows a lot of emotion. I would maybe clone out the peguin that is on the right side of the shot it is not valuable to the shot. but all in all Great shot. Way to go good job!

I would also lighten the photo up a bit and maybe a little contrast. I can barely see the second baby.

[melanie2457]

The babies are a little dark and hard to see. I would try to lighten them up a bit and perhaps darken the bright spots on the rocks in the background.

[peeperita]

i think a few more minutes in post processing could make all the difference in the world...there's a wealth of data in those shadows.......the babies' faces are still there.....

great shot....

peeper

[Kinho]

I agree with post processing suggestions that were giving before. I would also try to get the branches out of the mother's way. So I think that editing that out using photoshop will enhance the feeling for this photo too.

Just as a statement, I don't like the fact that photography today is becoming too much of a post-processing thing. Sometimes there is more post-processing influence on the picture that the actual exposure itself. However I do think that small details can and should be change in the picture when needed.
(I don't know why I wrote this anyway, lol)

[eduisfine]

I followed some of you suggestions and I think the picture is somewhat improved. I would have liked to remove the branches in front of the mother's face but I think that would have meant reconstructing the head. A bit too much post processing for this picture, I think. Next time I'll just ask them to move for the shot !
Thanks all.

[jiminyClickit]

eduisfine, Welcome

I debated following your edit, which is well done, and does answer most of the issues others had with it. The other additional work I added was to adjust the background as well to allow more attention to be placed on penquins. Because the mother's head is so close to the frame, the branches help to cover that closeness, so you're right to leave them.

[eduisfine]

Thanks JC.
Good job!

[phlyersphan]

I love the shot and the post-production! Penguins are my favorites I haven't had a shot this good yet! Love the emotion in it.