This Scrub Jay has been around our neighborhood for several years. As you can see it has had some rough times but is a survivor. I suspect cats have been after it and got its tail feathers. It was a cold day with wind and it was also “puffing” outs its feathers. I couldn’t do much with the shaded area.
What technical feedback would you like if any?
any
What artistic feedback would you like if any?
any
Pertinent technical details or techniques:
(If backgrounds have been removed, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
If you would like your image to be eligible for a feature on the NPN Instagram (@NaturePhotoNet), add the tag ‘ig’ and leave your Instagram username below.
You may only download this image to demonstrate post-processing techniques.
The angle’s a bit steep, Jim, but I love the pose and puffed out breast feathers. I think you could reduce the “steep” feel bu cropping some off the bottom. The shadowed side looks fine to me.
The pose and puffed feathers make this for me. Also, the detail and colors look good. I could see a tighter crop, as I’d be tempted to remove the OOF berries on the left and maybe clone out some of the top small branches that don’t have berries.
I think you got as good an image under the circumstances. I too like the puffed out feathers and the ragged tail feathers tell a good story. Your techs seem spot on and the berries on around the jay add a lot.
Thank you all for your, as usual, excellent critiques. I would have liked to get a better angle on the Scrub Jay but it was in a tree and puffed out for about three quick shot. If i had had time I have a fairly tall orchard ladder but my wife, quite wisely, says: “No way!”
