The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I rarely shoot birds but on occasion I get lucky and get an opportunity. I was out doing my usual morning garden scouting and heard some tapping on one or our maple trees (sadly, it’s dying). This pair of woodpeckers was working over this one hole and took turns looking for treats. >=))>
Specific Feedback
I have a lot of respect for you guys that do this with such skill. I took so many shots and kept only a small fraction of them due to movement, poor poses, poor focus, poor comp . . . . . Should I make the branch exiting the frame below the male go away? All suggestions and comments welcome.
Technical Details
Sony A77II
Sony 70-400G @ 400mm
Female: ISO 3200, 1/800 @ f11
Male: ISO 1600, 1/3200 @ f8
Processed with DxO Prime, LR and PS
It is a bit of a different game than your usual, Bill, and one of the things we learn early on is that we’re going to throw 90+% of our shots in the garbage. The guys I admire are the early bird photographers that would take a dozen or two plates into a blind and spend the whole day there hoping for one or two frames that worked.
These are both pretty good bird images. I think I prefer your angle on the second image as it shows the tree to better advantage and doesn’t include the out of focus branch edge along the side of the frame that the first one does. The little stub branch doesn’t bother me much.
The 1/3200 you used on the male would be needed if you wanted to stop the excavating action. Otherwise, just wait until they pause to inspect their workmanship and the 1/800th should work.
While it’s not exactly true to life, you might look at adding a touch of light to the male’s face.
Great bird shots, Bill. Both of these did very well. I love the difference of the two photos and what goes inside a birds thinking. Th first one the bird seems to be thinking what to do next. The tip Dennis pointed out was a great tip.
I agree with Dennis’s comments. The bird in the first must be thinking: “I hear you in there.” In the second: “Where the heck are you?” Both are excellent.
Hi Bill, nice captures in both images with the birds thoroughly sharp in each. Each shot tells a behavioral story which makes for interesting viewing. Nice to see them busy at work doing their foraging.
Should I make the branch exiting the frame below the male go away? All suggestions and comments welcome.