The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
There’s a large natural area near my house where I try to take a daily walk. Right now, this is the only tree in bloom, so I staked it out hoping it would attract some birds. It did, though getting them in a cooperative pose is challenging.
Specific Feedback
Any thoughts appreciated. The Pine Siskin is probably too close to the top.
Technical Details
Canon R5; 100-500 with 1.4 TC.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
OMG what a series!! Even just one of these shots would be one to be proud of, but the series is phenomenal and speaks to your talent and understanding of bird behavior. Really great. At first I thought the 1st house finch might be a Palm Warbler…I was turning even greener!! The Butter Butt is adorable. Floofy and silly. Pine Siskin yeah, maybe a touch of a canvas would balance things. Great light in that one though! And oh, the Kinglet. I hope to see them again when they come through this year. Excellent series!
A lovely series, Allen. I need to get downtown-I haven’t seen any of the early trees in bloom yet, though it’s time they were. I could see a bit more room at the top of the siskin image and the light feels a bit harsh on the first house finch.
Did you change your processing recently? The plumage in these feels just slightly over-sharpened which I haven’t seen in your images before.
Hi Dennis, No change that I recall, though I agree the first House Finch seems a bit scrunchy. The ISO was on the high side and DxO does seem to do some sharpening. I’ll keep an eye out for this in the future.
All are wonderful – both the birds and the setting! I didn’t notice any over-sharpening, which is usually one of my pet peeves. You have great places to walk!!
Really nice series Allen. Great look at these birds amongst the flowers. I think I like the top image best.
For what it’s worth, I turn off optical corrections in DXO PureRaw as I find it a bit heavy handed on the sharpening. I use Smart Sharpen in Photoshop instead.
I am very impressed. So many different birds and all of them portrayed perfectly. I wonder how long you stayed put to achieve this and whether you were in some kind of hide. Can you tell me(us)?
Very very very nice work.
Thanks, Xavier. I probably spent at least 3 hours over 2 days. I did have a camouflaged covering, though I don’t know if it made a difference. In previous years I’ve photographed birds in the same tree without one.
