Acorn Woodpecker defending territory + RP

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

With more room on the right:

_49A4722-Edit-Edit
_49A4722-Edit-Edit2000×1300 1.16 MB

Original:

_49A4722-Edit.jpg
_49A4722-Edit.jpg2000×1334 1.23 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

These things patrol relentlessly, chasing other birds away, but they know I don’t like their aggressiveness so they avoid me and are hard to catch.

Specific Feedback

All comments welcome!

Technical Details

Screenshot 2025-07-28 at 10.08.31 AM
Screenshot 2025-07-28 at 10.08.31 AM313×103 17.8 KB

Not a lot done – shadows and highlights tweaked a little but slightly soft light made the adjustments minor. LR denoise. Into PS to reduce contrast on the BG (tree shadows on a grassy hillside as morning fog cleared). Cropped to 20% of the original pixels.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
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  • Composition:
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2

Diane:
This is a very nice picture of this woodpecker. I’m assuming it’s an acorn woodpecker because of your locality. Good flight shot with good wings positioned very sharp with wonderful details.

3

Hi Diane
Nice looking Woodpecker, with good control of the blacks and whites. The wind position and feather detail really make this photograph.
Peter

4

Diane: I like the wing position and there is very good control of the blacks and white. Sharpness is spot on and the bird really pops against the oof background.

5

Hi Diane, very nice! Love the bird coming at us with the downward wings. Sharpness and exposure look spot on. I’m wondering about less space behind the bird and just a tad more in front. Really fine image either way.

6

Hi Diane,

This is one serious woodpecker! Great shot of a tense moment in the woods.

Russ

7

Excellent catch on the wing position and a beautifully sharp flight shot of this woodpecker, Diane.

8

Thanks, @David_Schoen, @Peter_Morrissey, @Richard_Sandor, @Allen_Sparks, @russ_carpenter and @Dennis_Plank! Allen, you’re quite right – I wasn’t backing off to look at the composition. A new version posted above. Thanks for the nudge!

9

The repost does improve the composition considerably. I was focused on the subject as well and didn’t notice it.

10

Repost looks great!

11

Thanks, @Dennis_Plank and @Allen_Sparks! I need to remember to go full screen and stand well back from the monitor when deciding on a crop.