Golden-crowned Sparrow

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Golden-crowned Sparrow.-NPN2.jpg
Golden-crowned Sparrow.-NPN2.jpg2500×2500 1.13 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I like this for the setting/background and that the golden crown shows prominently. I tried to remove the light OOF branch under the bird, but nothing looked good with respect to the feathers.

Specific Feedback

Any thoughts and recommendations appreciated.

Technical Details

Canon R5; 100-500 with 1.4 TC at 700 mm; 1/640 at f10, -1/3 EV; ISO 4000.

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

Interesting pose – maybe good for a weight-watchers poster! Sometimes you can remove light areas like that with the clone tool on Darken mode. It’s possible that the feathers overlapping the light area are darker than the nearby BG and you can clean up the most difficult part that way. Maybe just careful work in Normal mode against the leaves. Patch up blotchy areas at 50% cloning. Increase contrast dramatically with a temporary top layer to do a cleaner job.

1 Like
3

That’s one puffed up bird, Allen, though I think the pose accents it a little. Detail is superb. Fine feather detail is difficult. I’ve never had great luck with it, though I know the portrait folks can handle fine hair very nicely and I’ve seen masking demos that look like they’re able to select it perfectly.

The best of the auto selection tools I’ve found thus far is the object selection in the PS toolbar menu. It doesn’t always get it right, but it’s far better than the generic subject selection in the Select menu which doesn’t handle fine detail well at all.

1 Like
4

Hi Allen
I like the expression of this Sparrow, I don’t care what you think I’m happy. Good luck with the branch.
Peter

1 Like
5

Hi Dennis, Is this something in PS 2025 or is it also in 2024? If the later, could you provide a screen shot of where to find this. I’m still using 2024 at this time; though agree the subject select is lacking. Thanks.

6

It showed up on mine a few months ago. I won’t be back on my computer until tomorrow afternoon but I’ll send a screen shot then and check my PS version.

7

HI Allen. Sorry I’m so late. I’m running 25.5.1 It’s called the Object selection tool and looks like this:

image

It’s grouped with the quick selection tool and the magic wand selection tool.

1 Like
8

Thanks, @Dennis_Plank . I’ll give it a try. Always learning something.