Cardinal

[Paul Kammen]

Hi there,

Just looking for critique on this cardinal. I just purchased the Canon 7D and am getting used to it (mark II).

Shot hand-held with the 800mm attached, ISO 200.

http://fatherpaul.smugmug.com/Other/Birds/i-srPf2Vd/0/XL/Cardinal%205-XL.jpg

[Moe Ali]

It's tough getting these little guys through the branches. You want to avoid distracting elements if at all possible, like the twig that runs across the breast of the bird. Looks like your focus is spot on the eye, and you have the catch light. But definitely less branches would be better.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Paul, good pose and HA, but I feel you have under exposed the image. I agree with Moe that choosing a better BG would have been more ideal. Can you please post your full settings - shutter speed, and F stop.

[Doug Brown]

Hi Paul. Good suggestions from Moe and Stuart. A bit more exposure and a cleaner perch would really help here.