The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
Taken in my backyard where I was wanting to get an image where the bird was not blocked by small limbs, berries, leaves or other obstacles. I like how the leaves give somewhat of a frame around the bird.
Creative direction
I wanted an image that would attract viewers. Also, one that showed the chickadee with no items covering any part of the bird.
Specific Feedback
I did use topaz sharpen on the image. Not sure if it appears too sharp. Also, I had to lighten the shadows on the head significantly to get the eye visible. Does it appear natural?
Is the contrast and the color acceptable?
Technical Details
Canon R6MII
RF 100-400mm @ 400mm
1/640 @ F-9 ISO 400
Hand held
Description
I think I have covered this area. I have only recently been able to get into my small back yard with camera in hand. Image was hand held, but I was seated in a wheelchair.
Critique Template
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I love both the colors of this image and the environment - not just the chickadee, but the berries, the blue sky, and the green leaves. The background is nicely blurred. I would not but too much emphasis on this, my experience is limited, but my gut feeling is it is a little over sharpened. See what others say - the feathers don’t look completely natural to me and I think I see a little halo line on the top of his head.
Hi John. Good to see you posting again. I love the pose and perch and the background mostly works for me though I could see getting rid of that one out of focus branch that comes from the bottom right up past the right side of the chickadee. As for the Topaz Sharpen, it does look a bit overdone. Those that use it usually end up setting the level way down. If you’re using it as a plug-in for Photoshop, you can also create a duplicate layer to sharpen and then reduce the opacity of that layer until it looks right.
Hi, John! Great to see you again!! and I’m very sorry you seem to be having some troubles…
Very pretty little bird in a nice pose with head-turn. I love the branch with new and dried berries. and old leaf.
I’d personally get rid of some of the BG stuff, (as much as you’re comfortable with) particularly all the OOF stuff on the right. Dennis’s comments and suggestions about the sharpening is right on.
You must have some great trees in your yard, if you’re attracting these little chickies ! Looking forward to more of them!
I like the pose and the spreading of the tail feathers. Great perch, the berries add a lot. I’d probably have cropped a bit from the right and removed the OOF foliage, but that’s me and I probably tend to over do it. Overall, a very pleasing composition.
Wonderful you were able to catch this little cutie! Whatever the health issues, I hope you are doing much better! A yard can be a great place to photograph – the variety of “getting out” can be offset by the chance for careful watching and a little staging and coaxing with feeders. The pose, setting and lighting look great! If you have any more canvas on the bottom, that one berry might be moved up in the frame just a little bit. I’d get rid of the shape in the LR corner but the rest of the BG is lovely! I agree about backing off the sharpening.
John. I love this shot. The bird and berries are great. I agree with others about little tweaks, but great shot altogether. Sorry to hear of your struggles, but its good to know you’re rolling with the punches and still getting out there. Keep them coming.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post. I do enjoy photographing the birds in my backyard. I need the practice since I have had little time to be out with camera in hand over the last year.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. This past year I have had little time to be out with camera in hand. Unfortunately, in less than 2 weeks I will be back in the hospital for the 5th surgery on my left hip. I do hope it will not be as long a stay as the last time, (30 days). I will try to post more often once I leave the hospital and am back at home.
I’ve tried to thank everyone who responded to my post of the chickadee. Sorry if I missed someone.
Such a cheerful photo - Chickadees are a delight no matter what, but this one is especially engaging because of the colors and pose. I won’t repeat what’s been said, but I find that the shadows are far too lifted in the image overall. It looks washed out and in need of some darks. You say that you needed to lift them in order bring out detail in the bird’s face. Doing that selectively with a mask in whatever app you use might work better for the photo than a global adjustment. I also find it’s a bit too saturated, but that’s just my taste. Just love that little tail!
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Thank you for your comments. However, I must admit I am very computer/photo processing illiterate and at 81 I find it hard to learn more than the most basic stuff. but, I keep trying!
