Eastern Towhee

Image Critiques
1

Eastern Towhee
Eastern Towhee1429×2000 359 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Hard to get this bird in the open as @Allen_Sparks did, but he’s inspired me to load this one anyway. In the garden in Raleigh, NC, a couple of weeks ago.

Specific Feedback

As others have noted, this bird is quite the hider. So this shot needed a lot of branch and other bits removed. Please let me know where my tidying up is still obvious - and any other defects.

Technical Details

D500 + 150-600mm 1/2500 f9 ISO 1600

Removed branches and twigs, including a couple crossing the bird a little. Smoothed BG with Clone Stamp and Spot Healing Brush. Lightened blacks a little with Shadow slider in PS and darkened whites with Adjustment Brush in LR.

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
1 Like
2

Nice job on this one, Mike. Excellent detail and exposure. A bit tight in the frame, but since you mentioned already removing extra twigs, I can imaging what a mess a looser frame would create. The Spotted Towhee we have in my area is very much a skulker in the brush and I only get it in the clear when it’s bathing or occasionally in the snow.

3

Excellent. That eye just draws you right in. The light and sharpness is excellent, I just keep going back to it. Seems like the exposure it right on, shadows handled nicely, enough detail on the chest. Though for me it’s all about the eye in this image.
I can’t tell where you’ve done any tidying up…

4

Nicely composed and processed, Mike. Can’t see any problems from your pruning. Good pose, showcasing that red eye.

5

Nice details Mike and I love the view of the eye presented. A wonderful pose. I also can’t tell you did any clean up on the image. A beauty well captured.

6

Saw this again on the critique page and just went, “OH! That eye!!!”
Love it!