Little Miss Downy

[Randy Stout]

This little girl was hopping around in my backyard this afternoon. I shot it from a chair blind. Quite cloudy, late afternoon, light actually behind the bird. I like being able to see both feet. Impressive for such a little girl.

D300 500mm f/4 at f/5 1/400s ISO 800 -.3EV

Cropped to 60% of original. I wish the head was turned a bit more our way. The top is tilted away a bit, and I think the bill is actually coming towards us, but I can't tell for sure.

Comments appreciated as always

Randy

[Fabs Forns]

Adorable girl, randy, Yes, I think the bill is a bit tilted, but the first impression is that it's tilted away. Great exposure and placing in the frame.

[Stu Bowie]

Excellent exposure Randy, and liked the curved perch through the image. Maybe a bit tight in the bottom right corner, but you obviously made sure you didnt cut off the tail.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks Fabs and Stuart:

The cropping choice was dictated by where I wanted to position the bird in the frame and other elements in the picture that I didn't want in! I agree the tail is a bit tight, but thought this gave me the best balanced look overall. This was a quick trial to see how the woodpeckers would react to the chair blind, and I hadn't selected any perches, ie. no setup. Was happy to get as one as clean as this. I appreciate your comments.

Randy

[Kobus Tollig]

Great one Randy. Ditto your own nit but still like this. WEll done

[David Roach]

Great job on the exposure! All has been said but I do love them feets!!

[Mark Dumbleton]

Like the diagonal feel to this! Wish the head angle was slightly turned towards you.
Great we can see both feet and lovely exposure!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the soft light, details and BG. Maybe a bit more contrast?

[Randy Stout]

Axel:

I agree, just a touch more contrast would be nice, but I started to get into blown whites. Because this image was technically backlit, although with soft light, the rim is very prone to blowing!

Randy

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Alternatively, you could take the midtone slider to 0.85 or so.