Does this comp work?

[Alan Murphy]

Verdin

Workshop: Arizona

D300s, 600, ISO 250, f9, 1/800.

One form my last workshop.

Ideally I would like the bird facing the other direction, but he did not give me that pose.
So how does the comp feel to you? and why?

Thanks for taking a look.

[Fabs Forns]

I am fine with it because of the interesting perch behind his back, plus the fact he's turned towards you.
In fact, it's refreshing to see a little deviation from standard.

[Ofer Levy]

I like it even more than the other image you posted on NSN. Firstly because it is different and also because it has more room all around. Your usual top quality photography!

[arash_hazeghi]

Technically perfect as usual Alan, the back view of the bird is very interesting with superb details and sharpness and with the head turn this makes an appealing image IMO just as good as the other way round.

Well done

[sandy richards]

Alan, non-traditional for sure (and I like that) and certainly works for me.
The great cactus perch and head-turn, plus a view of the back feathers, make this a delight.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Works for me as well Alan. I think the colors of the BG and the subject compliment each other and the size of the flowers on the end of the perch and the bird balance each other very well. Different and it works.

[Troy Lim]

I like it very much, head turn plus interesting perch like others have said.
Again, I am a big fan of your work. TFS.

[Sid Garige]

Works for me. Great eyecontact and balance.

[Arthur Morris]

Works for me because it is compositionally balanced. Was Sid on your workshop?

[Sid Garige]

Was Sid on your workshop?

Artie,

I was not on Alan's workshop. I photographed at elephant head pond during 2nd week of March this year.

-Sid

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Alan, it works for me - I love the less conventional route :)
That is a great perch.
Best,
Nicki

[Arthur Morris]

Hey again Nicki, I just realized that this image illustrates an important point with regards to your Sanderling image. In your image, there was nothing at all behind the bird to balance the COMP as there is here.... So my point, and I hope that I am not beating a dead horse, is that being different just for the sake of being different rarely works unless there is a very good reason for doing so....