Blackbird

[Jaime Johnson]

http://jaimejohnson.zenfolio.com/[/URL ([URL]http://jaimejohnson.zenfolio.com/)]
f5.6
ISO 400
1/1250
http://jaimejohnson.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v9/p436042573-4.jpg

[Bill Jobes]

I like your somewhat unconventional approach to the crop, Jamie, as the greens and other hues on the left add interest to an otherwise fairly routine photo.

The body language of the bird is interesting and nicely captured.

Though I do wonder if you could bring out any detail on the right side of the bird from chest to tail.

If it were my image, I'd selectively reduce the brightness of the hot spot on the right-side cat tail.

Artistically, a good case can be made to ignore my suggestions, and retain the image as-presented. The browns and yellow are the feature draw of the image, and retaining their relative intensity as you have is certainly a valid approach.

Overall, my impression of the photograph is a good one :)

[Randy Stout]

Jamie:

Thoughtfull comments from Bill.
The light angle well off to your left created the dramatic but challenging lighting. As Bill mentioned, it might be worth trying to tease a bit more detail out of the shadows.

I could see this cropped as a loose vertical as well.

Please be sure to post your camera and lens info, so we know what you are working with. I helps us understand the setup.

Cheers

Randy