Purple Finch

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

-20250622-_SA14423-Yardbirds-DxO_DeepPRIME 3-Edit.jpg
-20250622-_SA14423-Yardbirds-DxO_DeepPRIME 3-Edit.jpg2048×1454 1.25 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Another from the depths of the dark lagoon (aka, my small ground bath). I’m in a continual battle with a raccoon that just loves to rearrange the furniture in this pool, looking under the rocks for something that probably isn’t there. I had rearranged the rocks the way I like them early in the morning and went out to shoot after the water was settled.

Specific Feedback

Too Dark? I didn’t do very much to the lighting here except to burn down the area of grasses above the bird and a bit on the rock in the upper right corner.

Technical Details

Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 633 mm, tripod, f/9, 1/640, iso 6400. Noise reduction with DxO PureRaw 5, processing in LR & PS CC. Cropped to 6040x4288. Removed a number of bright spots from fir needles, etc.

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1 Like
2

Dennis:

The bird is actually pretty well lit considering its surroundings are quite dark. You get a lot of purple finches where you are. I see them occasionally. This is a slow year. I don’t think I’ve seen a single house finch yet this year. I think I’ve seen a few goldfinches, but since I don’t have my feeders up and running, I expect not to see so much.
David.

3

Dennis, I like this as is - a little different. The bird really pops with the dark BG. Nice drinking pose from this guy, and your usual fine detail and colours

4

I really like the dark background. Makes the Finch really pop. The colors on the bird are rich and I love the action of the drinking.

5

Really nice image Dennis and agree with all about the lighting and how the bird stands out. Enjoying the plentiful details, down to the gleam in his eye. The rocks (whoever arranged them :wink:) add a lot to the overall story your telling. Makes me want to add some more props to my own bird bath.

6

Hi Dennis, love the colors you have rendered on this finch. Rich and exemplifies the phrase “dipped in Koolaid”. I like the layout of the surroundings. Well done.

7

Perfect ad presented. Lots to like with the overall darkness and excellent color and feather detail…Jim