Northern Cardinal

[Jim Crosswell]

This was taken on Christmas Day on the local trails near the house. Cloned out a broken branch. Not as nice as John Mack's Hallmark series but its the only one I have for the theme. Hope you enjoy the image.

Nikon D500
Sigma 150-600 @480mm
ISO 1600
f8
!/400s
Tripod
Manual mode

[annmpacheco]

Hi Jim,

She's a pretty girl and I like the perch and the snowy BG. I wish the tail wasn't partly hidden. I like her orange eyebrow, good colors here. TFS

[dankearl]

A bit higher in the frame would work better for me.. Nice HA.

[Ilija Dukovski]

Cardinals and snow is a winning combo. Love the colors of course here.

[Brian Sump]

Psshhh, this is Hallmark worthy as well Jim!!

She's processed nicely, sharp where it needs to be. Snow is great. I'd love to see the subject and perch a little higher up if you are able. Otherwise good for me.

[David Roach]

She is a beauty, Jim and the falling and accumulated snow really add for me. TFS

ps
Those snowy whiskers...

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Jim, nice one, just be mindful of you DoF as you can loose the snow falling and if the subject is obliging, then a much slow SS helps too.

TFS
Steve

[Dorian Anderson]

Alert pose makes this a really frame, Jim. She's sharp from eyes to toes, and the blowing snow really adds a sweet winter feel (no such luck here in California!). I agree with Dan that she should be raised in the frame; it feels very bottom heavy as is.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Jim ... love it , well almost .... as I wish the perch would start in the left corner and the bird would be slightly higher in the frame .
Nice wintery feel with the snow on the perch and the falling snow in the BG .
Nice overall colors and tones ... maybe a slight round of NR to the BG ??!!

TFS Andreas

[John Mack]

Another female what are the chances? The dark background makes the falling snow stand out nicely. Agree on the bird being higher in the frame. A nice scene overall. I would rank this hallmark worthy.

[Jim Crosswell]

I too wish I had the space to put her higher in the frame. I did a crop to achieve a higher position before posting this version but thought the bird became a little to tight in the frame. Steve I needed the shutter speed due to the wind and movement of the Cardinal. Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions, they are appreciated.

[Steve Kaluski]

That’s fine Jim, just thinking of more atmosphere, good luck.