This was a really tough week for picking the EP. There were a lot of great images. In the end it was a matter of taste and, as noted in the NPN guidelines, the amount of participation in reviewing other people’s images was a factor as well.
This is really sweet, Allen. I’ve always loved the isolated reeds as a support/surroundings for birds and this is a beautiful array. I’m a bit surprised to see the feather fringes still there. I was photographing a few of them yesterday at Ridgefield and none of them had them. I don’t know if ours haven’t molted yet or did so early enough that they’re already worn off. The mating hormones are supposed to contribute to that process.
Anyhow this is one handsome dude and I love the composition.
Lovely composition and wonderful detail and colors on the bird - not easy on these guys!! I love the reed but wonder about adding a bit more canvas on the right so the end isn’t touching the frame. Adding canvas with the crop tool with the content-aware option can often do an uncanny job of finishing off a detail like a leaf tip. Or generative fill can also work wonders.
Hi Allen, very nicely composed image - love the reed arching to the right. Fine details and exposure on the bird and well placed in frame. A fine image.
Sweet! I love the song, too. The bird is sharp, in a nice pose, and the reeds work well.
I agree that a bit more room at the top and sides would further improve this great image.
Well done!
Congrats on the EP Allen. I really like the overall balance of the image here. Great job with the blacks and the reds. Nice grey BG and excellent balance with the reeds.
