Let the chips fall where they may

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

DSC04424crop_pe9
DSC04424crop_pe91200×801 125 KB

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

What technical feedback would you like if any?

Any

What artistic feedback would you like if any?

Any

Pertinent technical details or techniques:

Sony RX10 IV - 1/250, f4, 200 ISO, 567mm equivalent
Edited in On1 Perfect Effects

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2

I like this quite a bit. Love that flying wood. The bird, tree, and background all look very good. The tree has tons of character. I always find these types of shots hard to compose/crop. I’d take some off the left and right if the image quality will hold up. Also, the highlights on the bird’s chest are hot, but I dont know there was much you could do about that.

3

Excellent detail in both the woodpecker and the tree, Dan, and a very nice background. Given the vertical pose of the woodpecker, I think a vertical crop of some kind would suit this image better-there’s a lot more tree and background than are needed to tell the story.

The chips are awesome!

4

Thank you for the comments/input @Lyle_Gruby @Dennis_Plank - the composition of this shot was something I experimented with quite a bit - a vertical would have worked but I thought the horizontal set the ‘mood’ of the shot more towards what I was after. I darkened the left side some to bring the focus to the subject (hopefully that worked). And honestly liked the ivy on the right side which clinched my decision.

5

Love the bird, tree, ad flying wood chips. Nice BG as well.
This image begs for a vertical comp. As is, too much tree in relation to the size of the woodpecker.
S