I set up a new feeder last week, hoping for better light this time of year. This little guy was harvesting the spilled sunflower seeds when he perched on this branch for a few seconds and I fired away. It was dumb luck I saw him as the branch was laying on the ground for possible use later propped up by the feeders.
Specific Feedback Requested
All comments welcome!
Technical Details
Is this a composite: No
Canon R5, 100-500 + 2X at 1000mm, ISO 1600, f/13, 1/400 sec, tripod, no blind – just sitting quietly behind the camera with my hands on it for a fast draw. Basically nothing done in LR, a little cloning on the perch and NR in PS.
Awesome catch, Diane. Excellent comp and background. We have several Oregon Juncos nesting in our back yard. I should set up a feeder for them and start photographing them.
As soon as I spotted this image, I knew it was yours. It’s gorgeous. One of your sayings Diane; “luck favours the prepared”.
The little bird has given you a great pose on a lovely, oposing diagonal perch. Love the OOF grasses in the BG.
I wonder if you would consider burning down the circular, brighter spot in the lower left corner? And, a suggestion, not a critiscism; I took the image in PS and added a bit more canvas on the left and a smaller extension on the top.
Excellent image of this Junco, Diane. I do like the suggestion of a bit more room on the left. This species really likes cover. Brush piles with some protruding perches make great setups for them.
Thanks @David_Bostock, @glennie, @Dennis_Plank and @Allen_Brooks! I see the point about needing more on the left. There was a large, bright grass leaf there that looked too difficult to clone out, so I cropped it out, but I could have added a little canvas with content-aware fill after doing so, and I’ve done that here. Also removed a few of the OOF dewdrops near the bottom edge. I think it’s definitely an improvement.
Outstanding image with excellent detail,exposure,head turn. The repost is better. I might clone away the other two dew drops as the on in the left lower corner pulls my eye. I have many juncos in my yard year round. While they are common, they can be a challenge to photograph well.
Nice shot, Diane - and I do love the repost best, since there’s some space around the bird. Sharp and detailed images, no nits from my side. Cheers, Hans
Thanks, @Karl_Zuzarte – no chance this time – I was seated behind the tripod with the camera about 3 ft high and the bird hopped on this branch on the ground under the feeders, about 15 ft away. I barely had time to aim down and grab a shot. But I decided I like the perch and moved it slightly to stabilize it better, which put it against a slightly more distant BG, looking down a hillside. Now I need another cloudy morning… There are a couple of perches near the feeders which are at eye level to the camera. I’ll be posting some, but the BG is very plain – OOF distant trees.
