Gray-Crowned Rosy-Finch

[Doug Brown]

These sure are pretty birds. But the photographic conditions are usually extremely challenging up where they live. I was trying to catch them in flight at the time of this photo so I was trying to maximize SS; this explains the wide-open aperture. I think the shallow DOF works well here.

http://birdwhisperer.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/BPN/20091230-MG5971-Gray-Crowned/753351446_VjXSn-O-2.jpg

Canon 7D, 300mm, f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 800, 1 2/3 EC hand held

[Daniel Cadieux]

They are indeed pretty birds:). I don't mind the narrow DOF on the bird itself, but I kinda wish the perch fell more into it. Did you manage any inflights afterall?? That would be quite impressive...

[Stu Bowie]

Doug, you putting all your toys to good use. Sharp detail on the top end of the DOF, and I like the colours.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Beautiful bird and I like the pose and eye contact in this image IMO I would prefer a larger DOF so the perch would be in focus. The high key really shows the finch off well and its unique coloring.

[Julie Brown]

Doug, you have great feather detail and a nice HA. My eye first went to the OOF perch and legs.

[Dan Fleming]

Hi Doug,

Let me add kudos to a fine image. I do think the perch being in focus would make a slightly stronger image. I'm not keen on a featureless bright background but that is the habitat you find them in. One comes with the other. Good work.

Dan

[arash_hazeghi]

I like this shot, the narrow dof makes the bird appear larger than what it is an adds depth to the image, it's nice to see something different and unconventional every once i a while.

[Rich Steel]

Hi Doug

I think you did well on a tough challenge. I would have preferred a bit more DOF to the image though so at least the perch was in focus.

Cheers

Rich

[Fabs Forns]

I don't mind the OOF perch, but the parallel DOF does not work for me. I don't mind shallow DOF from front to end in a frontal view, but find it a bit disconcerting this way. I'm not one to complain about unconventional often, but I thought I'd be honest :)
I should add that if YOU like it, stick to your guns :) It's your creation and you rule in them!

[Paul Lagasi]

Beautiful Bird for sure..I'll be there next Friday 19th...hope the weather allows me to get up there....nice capture