You have certainly done well to capture it - so that's a great start!

However, I hope you don't mind if I hand you a little advice... as you have said it's heavily cropped - which is fair enough, and this is obvious to see in how the kingfisher is very soft.

I wish you the best of luck for today.

Great title

A fantastic shot of these two beautiful butterflies. You've caught the rear one nice and sharp. It's a good thing they were in a pretty plant too! My only small criticism is that the right butterfly is a little soft by the eyes. Maybe if you had been a little more careful with the focussing you could have really cracked it. Still, you have caught the moment well, and that's the most that matters!

Jonah

You certainly should be pleased with this shot - it's really, really good.
I really like the movement in the wings - it gives a great sense of movement, which as you say is quite speedy on these creatures. I do indeed think the body is sharp, quite sharp enough for me. The detail you have captured in the wings is also incredible.

However, it would have been nice if the beautiful tail were in focus a little more, although that would require a smaller aperture, and I'm sure in such light conditions, it's better to get a sharp body than get a blurred everything!

I think for a first time this is great, much better than my first attempt. Can't wait to see the rest - I'm sure they are as good as this...

I hope it helps
Jonah

[i](Is that the shape of a lighthouse I see in the tail??)[\i]

A lovely shot Josh of a beautiful wood. I think you could however give it some more oomph. A little saturation and more light in Picasa would really boost the picture. Next time, if you tick the box which says 'Modifications Welcome' when you next upload - it means that somebody can upload a version of your picture which they have edited - a really useful tool
Very picturesque though Josh
Jonah

I do certainly like the symbolism of it - and there is some stunning detail. It has a gloomy feel, yet the light at the top brightens it up a tad - which in my opinion is a little too much.

I do like the angle, but to be honest, when I first looked at it I thought you had uploaded it sideways However, that's not really your fault, just the positioning of the box I do like the low angle looking up at the box, it makes it more gloomy and important! Perhaps trying lots of different angles and then showing us all the different versions would have given us different perspectives of the place

The light is a little bit glared however, and glares over the box, which of course is the main feature. Again, I guess standing in another place might have solved it.

Sorry I'm being a little over critical I hope it helps, still a nice shot and the meaning is certainly there !

Jonah

Hi Josh,

Sadly the camera (or you) has focussed on the small plants in front of the bird instead of the bird, thus resulting in the bird's head being blurred. This is no fault of the camera itself, all cameras have this issue, and it is simply down to technique. This picture would be fantastic if the bird was sharp, as you can see how the small plant stubs are so sharp. To improve, try and make sure the bird is in focus BEFORE you take the picture . Obviously as these birds are very quick it is difficult to get them in focus quickly. You have done well to capture a rare bird so well done on that. Maybe when they come back try again and use these tips to see how much better it can be I hope this helps you.

Jonah

Hi Josh, welcome home - sounds like you had a fantastic trip It is a lovely tranquil shot - a think the horizon is a bit wonky, but when I teach you more about editing in Picasa, I will show you how to correct this. On the far top right there is a building which is a little distracting from the large amount of nature going on in the main centre of the image. I think cropping that bit off might of helped, but it is barely noticeable. Nevertheless it is a lovely shot, I hope your mum had a nice birthday and I cannot wait to see tomorrows upload

Jonah

Luke - this is no doubt the best kingfisher shot I have ever seen on EPZ in my entire life ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!!! The detail: 10/10, the BG, 10/10, the pose 10/10 and the light 10/10!! Well done Luke - IMO worthy of photo of the week if not higher - your Dad needs to watch out now Congrats - you have a vote from Pete the editor I can see on there - so you might be getting an HC too. Well done

Jonah

I think you have done well for a first try at sunsets. Sunsets are of course very hard to capture - as they are very bright in most places.

I do like the way you have the sunbed on the right as a silhouette, but I think it could look better

a) If you got the whole sunbed in and left space at the bottom
b) if you just took it from the side by the railings

Jonah

To get a collision, if you are using a plastic bag, try to make the hole bigger and smaller until you get one - thats how I do it. However this wont give you a reflection. So therefore I recommend that you try using a pipette. If you successfully squeeze two drops out in succession, because the water is clear, you will get both the reflection and a collision. Great shot and a wonderful first attempt well done!
I hope the tips help you and good luck.
Jonah

Very interesting photo James!
My only problem is that there are quite a few dead pixels in the top right which distract you from the actual monument.
The colours are a bit dead as well, if you had enough room, maybe doing it from the other side may have not given you such a backlight...

I dont know what you mean by the chap on the monument - but i am probably being really stupid!
Anyway, take on board my critique if you can.
Just a little note - I have noticed you have been to a lot of different weddings recently!! (Don't know if it was all the same one)

Nice photo though,
Jonah