Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
More clouds this morning, and some luck!
All comments welcome!
Denoise and slight crop in LR. Slight lifting of Shadows. Into PS to remove a couple of OOF branches.
I grew up in Maryland and we had quite a few Baltimore Orioles in that area. But they don’t make it as far north as Washington state. They are pretty colorful birds. And there are quite a few species of Orioles. I am unfamiliar with the hooded orioles . I didn’t have the opportunity to see at least one of the species when I was in Costa Rica several years ago. This image quite sharp excellent color. At least I got an opportunity to see what else is out there thanks to some of our California photographers. very nice job on this image. Diane.
Thanks, @David_Schoen ! These guys breed here and winter in Mexico or far southern California. They only showed up a few weeks ago so we should have babies soon!
Beautiful bird, Diane. A wonderful look at one of our most strikingly colorful birds. Always a good day when I get a good look at one. When I see one it is usually too far a distance like the top of a palm tree. I like the “ready to go” pose" you captured. The bird details and eye are excellently focused, the background is a nice forestry bokeh. The sharpness and pose more than make up for the tangled branch twigs lower right.
Hi Diane! I love these orioles. I love the moment you captured - because the gesture in the bird’s body suggests it is only there for a moment before popping off to fly. That creates impact, and some tension, in a GOOD way! Overall a very nice image.
Thanks, @Stephen_Stanton and @brenda_tharp ! Ours are usually in the top of the tallest trees, too. And good to hear from you, Brenda!
I was conflicted about cleaning up that messy branch. I couldn’t decide if it added to the setting or detracted from the bird, but it balances the branches above the bird’s head. Removing those just leaves a bird on a stick. As opposed to a bird on a naturally messy group of sticks.
Hi Diane, wonderful colors and detail and a nice pose from this beauty. The bird is so riveting that I don’t mind or really notice the other branches. A fine catch.
Thanks, @Allen_Sparks ! This guy posed for me nicely!
Excellent pose, Diane. I would be tempted to clean up the out of focus twigs, but that’s pretty easy these days.
Thanks, @Dennis_Plank ! I was tempted to prune those branches but having trouble lately about how much to clean up. I like a natural-looking setting but cluttered is not good, for sure.
