Red-breasted nuthatch

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

What technical feedback would you like if any? Any

What artistic feedback would you like if any? Any

Pertinent technical details or techniques: Canon 5DS-R, 100x400x1.4 Ext., at f 8, 1/1250sec., iso 1000. Removed some branches and relocated one. Used Topaz to reduce noise then moved to PS for final refinements.
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(If backgrounds have been removed, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)

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2

Hi John, Love these little birds and this is a nice capture of one. Sharpness on the bird looks good and I like the perch with berries. Pleasing background. Minor nits are to take out the oof branch in lower center of frame and wishing for a bit more head turn toward us. I find these birds quite quick and tough to catch - you did well here IMO.

3

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Repost Thanks Allen, I’ve removed out of focus limb at bottom of picture and it looks much better.

4

Good job in getting this guy posed for you like this-tough to do. Good detail and an interesting perch and the berries are a nice addition. Good background as well. Nice one.

5

I agree that you did a good job with this but also agree with Allen Sparks on some of his comments.
These guys are fun but they are fast. I always enjoy taking photos of them when they show up which is rare around my area. I think they have beautiful plumage and I enjoy their behavior which can be humorous at times. Yes it would be nice to have a little more eye contact but I think this post works as well as almost any. With the interesting perch and berries, the square crop works well.

6

Thanks to all. I have discovered that removing some of the noise first, before any other edits makes the process so much better in the end.