Nesting

Image Critiques
,
1

TTortel_klein.jpg
TTortel_klein.jpg2044×1365 204 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Some years ago, I planted some wild apple trees in front of my house (espalier) to keep the sun away from the walls during hot days. As a bonus, the trees blossom in spring. The wild apple tree is often used by commercial apple growers to pollinate the varieties that they grow.
This year, a collared dove decided to build a nest here. As usual, a dove’s nest is 5 small collected branches at best, and the nest is already considered finished. Probably the first heavy shower on a windy day will force the dove to look for a new construction site. But the selected spot is photogenic :slight_smile:

Specific Feedback

I had to find an angle that showed “enough bird”, but inevitably some more bright sky was included than I liked.
If I came too close, the bird fled and I don’t want to disturb it too much.
Is the sky distracting?
Any other comment welcome.

Technical Details

Pentax K3 Mk. III, Pentax 2.8/50-135 @135mm, f/4, ISO1600, 1/4000sec.
Processed in DxO PL6, very little correction.

2

I don’t mind the sky particularly, Han, as the dove holds my attention pretty well. Since you’re photographing the bird on the nest, you could probably sacrifice some of that shutter speed for more depth of field to get some of the blossoms in focus which might be an interesting look. A fine shot of the dove and I like the head-on look.

3

Hi Han, I like this view through the vegetation showing a nest being hidden as much as possible. I find the hint of red in the eye intriguing. I’m fine with the amount of sky included.

4

Nice one, Han. I like the head on look and those red eyes. I think the surrounding leaves and blossoms add a lot to the enjoyment of the image and I don’t any issue with the sky. The dove is nicely placed in the image.

5

Thank you @Dennis_Plank , @Allen_Sparks and @Allen_Brooks for your comment. Greatly appreciated.
@Dennis_Plank : the shutter speed was mainly because I wasn’t standing very stable, but a bit less fast is still fast enough. I followed your advice and shot a few more images, including more blossom and with more DOF. Thanks.