The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I went to an observation hut with good features. Small birds came flocking to the water lying in front of the window (and to the baits that were laid out). Although no exceptional species came around that day, I really enjoyed the close looks I got on the small common birds.
Specific Feedback
I don’t suppose anyone will look at these pictures as exceptional. For me, they are a way of exercising skills about settings and focusing. Still, they show the beauty and some variety of everyday bird watching. Any tips to improve are very welcome. One example: I love the attitude of the robin, but is the picture in balance or is there too much negative space?
Technical Details
All the pictures are made with a Canon R6 and the RF 200-800 mm at full range, except the one of the robin, where the focal length was a bit shorter.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
A very nice selection, Xavier. I’ve spent a lot of time in my blind over the years and while most of the time I’ve gotten the locals, there’s always the chance of getting something unusual. While these are local to you, I had to look up a couple of them, so it’s a pleasure to see such nice shots. As for comments, the Common Blackbird looks a bit crowded on the top for my taste. My rule of thumb in poses like this is to leave enough space for the bird to straighten up without bumping its head on the frame. While the wren isn’t going to bump its head, it feels just a little tight on the top also. There’s probably going to be debate over the robin, but I find myself liking it a lot just as you posted it.
Nice catches Xavier, I think you did well even though these are common birds in your area. Agree mostly with Dennis’ suggestions even though I could see a version of the robin with more of a crop on the right to eliminate the two light round orbs. Either way, thanks for sharing this productive shoot - always nice to have pleasing subjects coming into a set up.
Nice collection, Xavier. I like the eye level look at these birds. What do you call the Wren? Looks like what, in the states, would be either a Pacific or Winter Wren.
These might be common to you, but they are new to many of us - thanks for sharing!
A very nice series - all have nice poses, detail, and colours.
In the second image, you might consider eliminating the bright OOF branch above and allowing a little more room on the bottom so the lower interesting leaves are not cut off.
Re the robin, I’d also either move him to the right, or use a square crop so there isn’t so much dead space on the right
Fine catches!
I had to look it up, Allen. According to my birding guidebook, it is called an Eurasian wren. In Dutch we literally call it a Winter’s king and in French a cute troglodyte. No lack of imagination to give birds a name, as you can see.
