Iced Cardinal

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Iced Cardinal
Iced Cardinal1500×1200 561 KB

I’m aware of all the biological explanations as to how such small creatures survive in inclement weather, but I am still amazed at their resiliency in such adverse conditions. This male Northern Cardinal appears plump and healthy in the face of an icy blast that had humans scurrying for a warm shelter.

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Technical Details

Is this a composite: No
Canon 60D, Canon 70-300mm IS USM Zoom, f/11, ISO 800, 1/60 sec., EV -0.5 step. Processed in ACR and PSE 2020 for exposure and cropping. I also applied a TK Luminosity Mask that @Tony_Kuyper made available free of charge as an add-on for Photoshop Elements users. I’m still trying to learn how and where to use these masks, but they are definitely helpful. Thanks, Tony!

4 Likes
2

Great capture, Terry, a wonderful natural framing to boot. I’m with you on learn all of the great possibilities of TK masks. Nicely done.

3

Wow. Terry this is incredible. What nice framing in the iced branches. I also like that it’s mostly monochromatic except for the Cardinal. Well done!

4

Thanks @linda_mellor. After playing with them a bit, I see the benefit of luminosity masks, though I have a long way to go in skillfully applying them!

Thanks, @David_Bostock. I can’t overemphasize what the luminosity mask did for this shot. The bg was already pretty monochromatic, but the mask I applied really made the Cardinal pop. I appreciate your comments.

1 Like
5

Terry: I like this image very much. The power of including that environment conveys the intent of the image really well.

1 Like
6

Thanks, Keith. It definitely all starts with good subject matter.

7

Nice image, Terry, the Cardinal stands out so well in that ice tree.

8

Oh, this is superb! The framing is super and it tells such a story.

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Thanks @Stephen_Stanton. I appreciate your comments.

Thank you @Bonnie_Lampley. I’m really glad you like it.

1 Like
10

I’m late here but just have to add another “like” here – as in REALLY like! The bird is nicely detailed and in a lovely pose, with well-controlled reds, and the gray BG is lovely. And the ice is wonderful!

1 Like
11

@Diane_Miller Better late than…well, you know how it goes…Thanks! Glad you like it.

12

Yes, I agree with everybody. This is a wonderfully composed image in a superb setting that really conveys the environmental aspect of this birds habitat in winter. Excellent color and plumage detail. The contrast between the dark branches, ice, and the red cardinal makes this an impressive post

1 Like
13

This is truly a stunner. Talk about a “wall hanger”! I would not change a thing. Congratulations.

14

Thanks for your comments, @Dave_Douglass.