Azure-Winged Magpies

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Edit: I decreaased the brightness and, while I was at it, lightened the area around the right magpie’s head, and increased detail in the dark heads.

SRB05999 copy 5XNBx
SRB05999 copy 5XNBx2020×1449 423 KB

Original:

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SRB05999 copy 5XNB.jpg2020×1449 420 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Iberian Azure-Winged Magpie
These beautiful magpies are common in Spain and much of Portugal, where we were last spring

Specific Feedback

Is the BG too bright here? It is a field of dry grasses and yellow flowers. I didn’t tone it down at all.

Technical Details

Sony A1
200-600 @ 275
Date Taken: 2024-1-02 08:26:52
Exposure Time: 1/1600 sec
F Number: f/5.6
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 2000
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Center weighted average
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

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1 Like
2

The background isn’t too bright for me, in fact my first impression on seeing the thumbnail image was how beautiful and cheery the background is. The birds stand out quite well from it. I love that the left one is taking off (or landing?). Maybe dodging the darker background around the right-hand one’s head would be nice, but it’s lovely as is, too.

3

Thanks, Bonnie - the left jay started at the end of his branch, and was hopping lower on it. Gotta love 30 frames per second!

4

Excellent composition, Sandy. Given where this was taken, the background looks quite reasonable.

Did the Brits get to name everything in the world? They have such a small Avifauna, yet they seem to have named all the rest after their own species (end rant).

5

I like the background; seems to work well with the birds. Nicely composed; I like the action of the one and that both are looking in the same direction.

6

Excellent catch with great detail. The BG would be OK but the birds and perch (everything except the black heads) feels too bright. If bringing them down brought the BG down, I think that would feel OK.

7

Hi Sandy, a fine catch of these two with a good look at both. I agree with Diane on bringing down the brightness on the perch and bird highlights. I think a global highlights adjustment may do the trick for the bird, perch, and BG.

8

Will give that a shot this afternoon, thanks -

9

Edited and re-posted

10

Nice touch on the repost Sandy. These are really cool birds.

11

Good job! And nice touch on lightening around the head.

12

I think it works fine as-is, but the edit is understandable. The diagonal lines here are outstanding, and the timing is perfect.

Question, since I’ve never shot in this part of the world: was this a feeder setup, or a “natural” perch?

13

@Max_Waugh - no feeders - these birds are common, and often in flocks. We just pulled over when we saw some. A little skittish, though - you can’t get too close.

1 Like