Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) - Male

[Dave Taylor]

Gotta admit - it's a bit nerve racking for a traditional landscape/mammal photog to post on this forum:) But I won't get any better if I don't ask the experts how I can improve my work... so HAVE AT 'ER!!!

http://sixtyonenorth.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/_mg_0432.jpg

Canon 50D
100-400 IS (IS turned off) mounted on Gitzo tripod & Kirk BH1 head
original taken in RAW, uncropped. Only color correction done to this version
1/250" at f6.3
ISO 400
lens set to 330 mm
I used One Shot AF & single frame for focus accuracy
Canon 550EX Flash with Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack for external flash power.

Comments & critiques please!

Here is a link to other shots from this morning in my Journal Post
http://sixtyonenorth.com/wp/?p=186

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Very beautiful capture Dave with a wonderful pose and great eye contact and detail. Very pretty lighting and a great BG. My only wish would be a tad more canvas to the left but your crop but maybe it is cropped this way because of the branch coming up from the left hand bottom corner. Congratulations on a stunning image.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

No need to be nervous, this is a great image. I like this species a lot and am always happy to see images of it. I like the pose, details and exposure control. I agree regarding more room at the left so that the perch does not end in the corner and I might remove one of the catchlights. Keep them coming!

[Steve Maxson]

The pose, colors, and sharpness are all excellent, Dave. I agree about adding room on the left and removing the flash-generated catchlight. The sawed off end of the perch detracts from an otherwise excellent image, IMO. If this is a feeder setup, you could try to find a more attractive perch for next time.

[Arsdel Fluesmeier]

This is a great image. I have no nits. the pose and color are great./

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks so much everyone - you are all excellent resources, and I greatly appreciate your feedback. I went back and checked - I mis-spoke, this is a little cropped off the left. Per your recommendation, I adjusted the crop back to give more of the canvas back. Not much, but it definitely helps. Unfortunately, this isn't my feeder so I don't have control over it's construction, but I agree a clean & natural branch would be better. I will also remove the 2nd catch light. Great input & much appreciated, I hope to reciprocate.

[Dave Taylor]

Here's the updated version, thanks to your input. Please let me know your thoughts.
http://sixtyonenorth.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/_mg_0432-edit-edit.jpg

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The repost looks even better. I might clone out the bright spots at the top.