# Spotted Towhee **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** birds\ **Created:** [September 3, 2018, 7:50pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/spotted-towhee/388 "2018-09-03T19:50:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![David\_Schoen](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/david_schoen/32/368_2.png) [@David\_Schoen](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/David_Schoen)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2018, 7:50pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/spotted-towhee/388/1 "2018-09-03T19:50:10Z")
This was taken this morning under partially cloudy skies. I think one of the most difficult things about taking pictures of Spotted Towhees besides getting them off the ground is doing a good job with the black plumage. The black plumage has a natural sheen that reflects light and tends to decrease the impact of the black color. The other thing that’s difficult is getting the sharpening correct. Did I do a good job on this image with respect to my concerns? Iso-800, 200-500 at 500 mm, F8, 640th, D 500, tripod, cropped from horizontal to vertical format, Adobe camera raw 10.5, Topaz adjust, TK sharpening action at 30% ![ST-2-copy](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/2X/d/d0342bf184fbdc55f66caabdbb86a3ec31cef5d7.jpeg) ^^^ Place image here and delete this line ^^^ ### What is the image about, what does it mean to you, and what motivated you to make it? ### Equipment information: ### Camera settings: ### What specific feedback would you like? ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Freeman](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/shirley_freeman/32/11361_2.png) [@Shirley\_Freeman](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Shirley_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2018, 7:54pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/spotted-towhee/388/2 "2018-09-03T19:54:36Z")
He is gorgeous, David. Wonderful color and detail, a nice soft background, and that perch is really nice. Great shot. 👍 ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2018, 12:34am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/spotted-towhee/388/3 "2018-09-05T00:34:47Z")
I think you nailed it on both of your concerns, David. The black looks just about perfect to my eye, and I like the degree of definition in the head plumage-the structure shows without being overdone at all. You don’t mention using flash, but that tiny catchlight has the look of it-is that just a coincidence? ---
**Author:** ![Matt\_Shellenberg](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/matt_shellenberg/32/389_2.png) [@Matt\_Shellenberg](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Matt_Shellenberg)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2018, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/spotted-towhee/388/4 "2018-09-05T20:02:03Z")
Very nice composition, David. Nice detail in the Towhee. The image seems to have a slight blue color cast to me. Especially in the blacks. Maybe a slightly warmer white balance or tweeking the blues might help. Not a big deal, but toning down the highlights in the lichens on the branch may help. I find it is competing with the Towhee for my attention. ---
**Author:** ![S\_Govindarajan](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/s_govindarajan/32/423_2.png) [@S\_Govindarajan](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/S_Govindarajan)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2018, 12:57am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/spotted-towhee/388/5 "2018-09-06T00:57:52Z")
I think you got the blacks in good detail, David. But I find the lighting on the head a little odd. As Dennis mentioned, it looks like you used a flash. Rest of the colors are good. Sharpening also appears fine. Very good pose and elements. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Bogener](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@David\_Bogener](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/David_Bogener)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2018, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/spotted-towhee/388/6 "2018-09-06T19:15:52Z")
Nicely composed with a perfect head turn/pose. Sharpness and exposure look just fine to me. Always nice to get these guys off the ground.