While I understand the dark, moody shots are your style, I don't know that it really helps in this one. It just seems underexposed to my eye. Perhaps try brightening it a little.
The dim, moodiness works for me. It took me a moment to realize what distracted me and that the leaves detract the image. They lead my eye around the composition and work against the minimalistic quality.
I believe a smooth water surface would boost the image's appeal.
I note Matthew's observation; I think if it were meant to be a photo showing how the goose looks to help bird-spotters identify them, then the exposure could be higher. As a piece of art, though, I think the moody look is wonderful - there's a real depth to the blues. And I like your composition.
Regarding John's point, for me the shapes on the water help rather than hinder - it looks clichéd without them (I've tried it).
I guess I was kind of looking for a high-key style, which is exactly the opposite of this image. Ruth did some wonderful work in that vein. I suppose that I'm looking for something that isn't there.
Both styles have their appeal. Perhaps the high-key approach could have been done here as well as the low-key. I think Ruth's bird's legginess especially lends itself to the high-key look because the legs are emphasised by the pale background.
I can see all sides of this discussion but tend to agree that in this case the dark, moody style does add to the image.
On the leaves issue I might try removing some to see if they add or detract from the image (from the artist's perspective). Just thought I'd try myself as my curiosity was piqued.....
Thanks to everyone for the feedback...I like the picture with less plants better! Looking at the photo again, I kind of wish there was more negative space. This is definitely an interesting genre...
While I understand the dark, moody shots are your style, I don't know that it really helps in this one. It just seems underexposed to my eye. Perhaps try brightening it a little.
The dim, moodiness works for me. It took me a moment to realize what distracted me and that the leaves detract the image. They lead my eye around the composition and work against the minimalistic quality.
I believe a smooth water surface would boost the image's appeal.
Nice work.
Great job, Marcus!
I note Matthew's observation; I think if it were meant to be a photo showing how the goose looks to help bird-spotters identify them, then the exposure could be higher. As a piece of art, though, I think the moody look is wonderful - there's a real depth to the blues. And I like your composition.
Regarding John's point, for me the shapes on the water help rather than hinder - it looks clichéd without them (I've tried it).
I guess I was kind of looking for a high-key style, which is exactly the opposite of this image. Ruth did some wonderful work in that vein. I suppose that I'm looking for something that isn't there.
https://fstoppers.com/photo/453740
Both styles have their appeal. Perhaps the high-key approach could have been done here as well as the low-key. I think Ruth's bird's legginess especially lends itself to the high-key look because the legs are emphasised by the pale background.
I can see all sides of this discussion but tend to agree that in this case the dark, moody style does add to the image.
On the leaves issue I might try removing some to see if they add or detract from the image (from the artist's perspective). Just thought I'd try myself as my curiosity was piqued.....
I might be tempted to do the same, Alan. Prob too much of a purist to, though!
Thanks to everyone for the feedback...I like the picture with less plants better! Looking at the photo again, I kind of wish there was more negative space. This is definitely an interesting genre...