Ruby-crowned Kinglet

[Ilija Dukovski]

The image was underexposed, I tried to salvage it in ACR. Did it work? CC appreciated.

Nikon D80 Nikkor 300mm+TC1.4 Matrix AP-1 f/5.6 1/4000 ISO400 Fill-flash

[Jim Fenton]

I think you pulled the exposure up fine on the bird.

The background is a too bright for my eyes and with the dark shadow areas mixed in, I feel it distracts.

If you had stopped down for more DOF, the perch and the back end of the subject would have been more in focus, but so would have the bright background.

HA isn't optimal with the left eye not showing.

Have you tried the D80 in CW metering by the way?

[Daniel Cadieux]

I dunno Ilija, to be honest this image does not strike me too much. You did bring back the exposure alright, good rescue in that aspect, but the BG is just too much and we are looking down onto the bird - wish it was closer to eye level. Cute and curious little fast buggers aren't they!!

[Ilija Dukovski]

Yeah, I guess the HA and weird dark eyes are what breaks it here.
The BG doesn't help either.
I'm glad you think the exposure was corrected OK in ACR though:)

[Ilija Dukovski]

Have you tried the D80 in CW metering by the way?
I always use Matrix since I often change the focusing sensor and recompose.
In this situation, however, chasing perching birds around, CW probably is a good idea since the bird will
always be centered. What are your thoughts, do you use CW more than Matrix or not?