Goldfinch and Thistle

[Bryan Hix]

I liked this photo out of the series I had of a goldfinch and one of its favorite fall foods. I tried to bring the yellows down a bit, but there still might be a few hot pixels mixed in there. The purple thistle to the left has some noise in it (more obvious when viewed up close), but I wasn't sure if I should run NR on it or not? Thanks.

Canon 1D Mk3
600mm f/4 | 1/4x TC
ISO 800 | 1/250th @ f/8
Av Mode | Eval Meter +1/3

[Arthur Morris]

Sweet setting and a loverly thirds COMP. A tiny bit too much head turn for me.

[denise ippolito]

Complimentary colors. I agree the head is turned just a bit too much but not a deal killer for me. Nicely composed. I do wish the entire thistle bloom on the bottom right were included but not necessary.

[Daniel Cadieux]

As posted you don't need any NR on the flower. Full size could be another story, but just be careful about being too aggressive as to avoid stripping valuable details. I love the OOF stuff, especially the upswept grass blades between the thistle and subject. A bit too much head turn for me too though.