Grosbeak Showing Off

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

GROSBEAK.jpg
GROSBEAK.jpg1536×1137 278 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Every Spring I look forward to the black-headed grosbeaks showing up here. Not only do they have a pleasant call, the males are pretty spectacular looking like this one I caught as he was flying away from a feeder out back. I wouldn’t have gotten this pose without using my “pre-capture” setting on my Z9. This was a split-second moment.

Specific Feedback

I’m curious if the bright BG areas on the left are okay and not eye-pulling, and also how’s the cropping?

Technical Details

Z9, 180-600 lens, Nikon 1.4 TC, monopod, 13200th, f 9.0, 480mm, ISO 5000, cropped to 3512 x 2599.

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2

this is a real nice pose with good wing position. It is a little soft however in that area of focus Pierce to be on a closer Wing. These are really tough to get especially in flight. Nice job

3

Thanks for your input, David. As much as I enjoy trying for action shots with my camera set in the “pre-capture” mode it is a bit of a compromise. It only creates jpegs which are a a bit inferior to RAW, which I always shoot plus that mode tends not to grab and hold eye focus as well as my camera’s usual AF mode so I choose the best capture and massage it the best I can. I, along with others that I’ve read, really wish that Nikon would put out an update to “pre-capture” being available in RAW. That would be swell.

4

I really like the flight shot of this grosbeak Dave. Nice that you got it from the top and got a really nice look in the eye. These are so tough to get in flight.

5

The precapture really helps capture this kind of image, Dave, and you managed a very creditable shot. I agree that if the system can’t hold the eye focus, they need to make some changes, but at least you have something. I remember Kurt Bowman’s take-off shots and he must have had reflexes like a cat to get them in pre-precapture days. The wingspread is really nice here as well as the eye contact.

6

Hi Dave, love the flight pose you caught with the spread wings and slight head turn. Fairly sharp though lacking in fine detail. Nice catch.

7

Hi Dave
Is’s a great shot. Who ever thought we would be complaining about jpeg pre-capture and the slow speed of 12 frames per-sec. Times have changes and this is just the beginning. Dave this is really nice photograph and can I trade you my 12 frames per-sec. for your jpeg recapture.
Peter