# Barn Swallow

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/barn-swallow/51158>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** birds\
**Created:** [June 13, 2026, 2:01am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/barn-swallow/51158 "2026-06-13T02:01:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Allen\_Sparks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_sparks/32/63507_2.png) [@Allen\_Sparks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Sparks)\
**Post date:** [June 13, 2026, 2:01am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/barn-swallow/51158/1 "2026-06-13T02:01:53Z")

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![Barn Swallow](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/4/d/4d6086be48af80cf31235bb5f5e726ce467a0982.jpeg)

 ![Additional image 1](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/9/c/9c4abf8e6553c9579067f4045d68d36f11e366cd.jpeg)

**Critique Style:** Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

**Feedback Focus:** Artistic + Technical

### About This Image

This is a shot from my Wednesday visit to the local state park pond. This swallow came in fairly close and began to preen and struck some interesting poses. Having an 800mm lens on a crop sensor camera gives some nice reach for such captures of small birds. I was glad to get the view of the forked tail so well.

### Feedback Requested

Color and cropping?

### Technical Details

Camera: Canon EOS R7  
monopod  
Lens: RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM  
Focal length: 800mm  
Shutter speed: 1/2000s  
Aperture: f/10  
ISO: 1600

Processed in DXO Pure Raw 4 and Photoshop.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Allen\_Brooks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_brooks/32/390_2.png) [@Allen\_Brooks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Brooks)\
**Post date:** [June 13, 2026, 2:58am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/barn-swallow/51158/2 "2026-06-13T02:58:24Z")

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You really get amazing detail, Allen. I think I prefer the pose in the second one. Nice background as well.

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**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\
**Post date:** [June 13, 2026, 1:18pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/barn-swallow/51158/3 "2026-06-13T13:18:40Z")

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HI Allen  
The color and cropping look great. I prefer the first photo, but both photographs are great.  
Peter

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**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 4:11pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/barn-swallow/51158/4 "2026-06-14T16:11:01Z")

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Both poses are excellent, Allen. These are really cool looking birds and you did this one full justice.

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**Author:** ![Kris\_Smith](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/kris_smith/32/59826_2.png) [@Kris\_Smith](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Kris_Smith)\
**Post date:** [June 15, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/barn-swallow/51158/5 "2026-06-15T16:48:42Z")

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These really made me smile. Especially going from one to another to see that head move. Terrific colors - I had no idea they were purple and orange. And to see one still for more than 1/2 a second is pretty great. I love the iridescence you caught as well as the overall swoopy shape of the trailing primaries and the tail. Background handled well as per usual. Wow.