The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
It’s been cold and rainy and/or snowy lately and that will continue tomorrow, but today was low 60s F and partly sunny so I went out with the new camera to see if I could get close to our local birds. The Yellow-rumped warblers and Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are back as well as the Phoebes, but I didn’t get near any of those. Luckily we have a few pairs of House Finches and by sitting quietly near the feeder, they eventually get brave. This male came in VERY cautiously and would sub-vocalize to a nearby female who joined him eventually. She didn’t pose quite so nicely and neither did I get as fortunate with the light as with this shot - my very first of a male House finch. He’s so bright and I love her markings as well.
Specific Feedback
I was lower than he was, but they don’t really like to perch low although they will feed on the ground. He never did, but a couple females did. Anyway, does the elevation bug you? He was looking straight at me which was nice. Maybe that directness makes up for it.
Technical Details
Handheld sitting on the ground up a slight rise maybe 18 feet from him. I had a 1-stop ND on for video which I shot intermittently as well.
Lr for basic edits for contrast & color also a vertical crop. Topaz Sharpen (standalone) and then the TIF got some masking to bring out color and texture as well as the gorgeous sidelight.
The angle doesn’t bother me at all Kris. It’s very rare to get a bird exactly at eye level and this is plenty close enough. Interesting light, which helps a lot.
I believe you have a Purple Finch instead of a House Finch. The HF doesn’t have the red on the wings and back that the Purple does.
The level of the bird doesn’t bother me at all. If you hadn’t said anything I don’t think I would have noticed. That is a bird I’ve never seen before. Beautiful purple, wine coloring. I love the back feathers and the tail along with the nice head turn too. This is really sharp as well so that new camera is working great. I’m sure the photographer had something to do with that also.
The OOF background branches actually add to the image as they are well placed in the frame and gives a hint at the environment. This has the makings of a happy new camera owner!
Thanks @Dennis_Plank, @Stephen_Stanton & @David_Haynes for your enthusiasm over this bird-on-a-stick and especially for the ID correction which makes it even more special. We had tons of House finches in NH, but never Purples so I’m glad to have them here in WI.
