Well - imo you've chosen a subject that's both easy and hard.
Easy 'cos there's lots around, so you don't have to go on a 6month trip around the world to find one
Hard 'cos there's lots around, so lots of pics of them already exist and therefore taking one that's a 'bit different' isn't so easy - also being both black and white can be 'interesting' - exposure wise.
I'm no expert / pro, but some things you might want to consider next time ... ?
A different viewpoint from the common 'looking down from the bank' one ... ie getting closer to their eye level, rather than yours - it's not always easy to do this, (with waterfowl) but again, (imo) the results make the effort worthwhile.
Different light to reduce hard(ish) shadows and retain detail - if that's what you're after ...
Other compositions - maybe less centred, with a bit more space to let it 'breathe' a little
Maybe consider a position (esp if subject's quite close - as here) to get a catchlight in its eye
If they get so close (like my locals - a pita sometimes) consider taking real close-ups / macros ... fill the frame with a head with interesting reflections in eye, or feet / leg texture.
If going to a local venue on a regular basis, familiarise yourself with the layout so that you know where nicely lit backgrounds occur at particular times of day (esp. both ends - misty morns / evening glows perhaps) ... and use this local knowledge to your advantage.
I like the image. The comp works for me. You have some interesting color in the BG. The head angle is very good.
I would have preferred a lower angle and I wish the eye had been clearer.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
ok thanks for the advice, the park is near my house so I can practice there
I wish I'd taken all my equipment to the park, only had the 1 lense and this was the best I could get with it, but thanks for the ideas!
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened - Anatole France
Comments
Easy 'cos there's lots around, so you don't have to go on a 6month trip around the world to find one
Hard 'cos there's lots around, so lots of pics of them already exist and therefore taking one that's a 'bit different' isn't so easy - also being both black and white can be 'interesting' - exposure wise.
I'm no expert / pro, but some things you might want to consider next time ... ?
A different viewpoint from the common 'looking down from the bank' one ... ie getting closer to their eye level, rather than yours - it's not always easy to do this, (with waterfowl) but again, (imo) the results make the effort worthwhile.
Different light to reduce hard(ish) shadows and retain detail - if that's what you're after ...
Other compositions - maybe less centred, with a bit more space to let it 'breathe' a little
Maybe consider a position (esp if subject's quite close - as here) to get a catchlight in its eye
If they get so close (like my locals - a pita sometimes) consider taking real close-ups / macros ... fill the frame with a head with interesting reflections in eye, or feet / leg texture.
If going to a local venue on a regular basis, familiarise yourself with the layout so that you know where nicely lit backgrounds occur at particular times of day (esp. both ends - misty morns / evening glows perhaps) ... and use this local knowledge to your advantage.
hth
pp
Flickr
I would have preferred a lower angle and I wish the eye had been clearer.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
I wish I'd taken all my equipment to the park, only had the 1 lense and this was the best I could get with it, but thanks for the ideas!
Megan Amelia Photography