Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Every spring the Hoodies and Woodies (shown here) fly madly through the yard looking for nesting sites. Since they are cavity nesters that can’t make their own cavities, they rely on woodpecker nests and boxes provided by humans. We have one of each in the yard and the race is on - who will get what? Many flap by for just a look, some hop into the nest and fly out again. There’s a lot of banter and chatter … location, location, location! The females choose and the males stand aside and watch, but never go far.
When I noticed these two checking things out I grabbed the camera, the long lens and opened the window to shoot straight out into the trees. It was mid-May so we had leaves, but could still get this view to them. I have video and they kept up a constant patter between them which you can see here. Who doesn’t love ducks in trees?
By the time a female chooses, settles, lays and incubates her eggs, the male is long gone and the leaves have filled in so I never know who got what. If I’m lucky I’ll see proud momma with her brood on the water later on.
Specific Feedback
Thoughts about processing etc., are welcome. Maybe next year I’ll get another opportunity like this, but I doubt it!
Technical Details
Handheld w/camera braced against the window frame
Lightroom for basic processing including a crop and the usual S-curve, Topaz Sharpen AI to bring up detail. Nothing too drastic.
