Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
We have at least one pair of Western Bluebirds this year and they are at the stage of busily feeding babies. I finally got out this morning to see if I could get some shots. The male was mean enough to perch in an ugly tangle of apple tree twigs, but the female was in a slightly more open location. The photo op had to be kept pretty short because they didn’t want to go into the box while I was watching them.
Specific Feedback
I’m not greatly fond of the composition, so I’d appreciate suggestions. The tightness on the right is due to a tangle of apple twigs starting just outside the right edge and they intersect the main perch making it very difficult to remove them.
Technical Details
Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 840 mm, monopod, f/9, 1/320, iso 2000. Processed in LR & PS CC. Cropped to 4158x2976. Taken at 8:09 am under overcast skies.
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This looks good to me Dennis. You probably have the pixels to crop a bit off the left and the top to move the bluebird more to the center, but I don’t think that is really necessary. I really like the underwing moth she has. She is giving you a really nice look over, and it is really a clean, crisp image overall.
Wonderful pose and sharpness! You could probably get away with some content-aware or AI canvas addition on the right – that stuff can be uncanny sometimes. I think a crop from the left and maybe a smidge from the bottom would give a pleasing balance and make the right feel less crowded.
We also have a pair feeding, and of course they are using a nest box that offers wretched opportunities for lighting. The box I was hoping would be occupied has been ignored. It is probably full of acorns. I would like to move this box next year – if I can time it after the Flicker has moved out. A male has been roosting there in winter for the last 3 years but has never nested there. This winter we had taken the box down and the poor thing was roosting on a nearby beam under the deck roof. We put the box back up and he moved in.
good color, texture, and detail. I like the moth in the mouth. From my view, I could see a little bit of increased contrast in plumage but having never seen one of these in my area, I’m no expert.
Hi Dennis, wonderful details and really interesting behavioral image. Pleasing BG and the moth is a great addition. Agree with seeing what a crop off the left and bottom would do. Fine image.
