Eye contact

[Alex13k]

[IMG]Calidris alba by Alex´Moreira, no Flickr[/IMG]

Is it really important to exist eye contact on a wild life photography? (Which doesn't exist on this one).

[Shadowman]

Nice one.

[Geoff F]

Having at least one eye visible is usually a good idea, although there are exceptions.

This shot works fine.

[madcrow]

I like your image, nicely done.

[Wavelength]

Eye contact gives an added punch; seeing eye is the second best; since this shows an activity, i suppose eye contact is not a must; a really nice image

[ucci]

Nice work. I think getting down to eye level with the subject in framing your shot was a good move.

[NorthernFocus]

...Is it really important to exist eye contact on a wild life photography?...

I suppose it depends on whether you are interested in what others think of your photos. If you are only shooting for your own pleasure, then it's up to you. Though if that's the case you'd likely not have asked the question nor would you be posting on a public forum

The simple answer is yes. It is important. But not required in every case. This image is what I'd call a "behavioral" shot in which case direct eye contact becomes less important if interesting or unique behavior is captured. Another case in which eye contact is less important is with photos of creatures that are very rare or reclusive. There are always exceptions but in general eye contact lets us "connect" with the animal.

I like the image, by the way. A nice low angle with excellent lighting and detail. My only suggestion is that it could benefit from the bird being framed off center. You might consider cropping to place the bird's eye in the center of the frame. A subtle but possibly significant difference.