This image was made this morning in Duluth, Minnesota. Food was used as an attractant, though the
two fox sparrows that showed up seemed like they could have cared less for the food. Actually, I played
an MP3 white throated sparrow call, and this foxy responded fast and curious. In true fox sparrow
fashion, the opportunity lasted all of 5 seconds. Canon 7d, Sigma50/500os (@450mm), iso800, f9, 1/400,
cropped, selectively ran NR on the background, adjusted contrast, slight levels adjustment, USM.
Comments and critiques welcome.
Regards,
Shawn Zierman.
Very nice exposure , comp, HA and feather detail. Very beautiful specimen. Great DOF and BGs nice too. Not sure if your morals allow but the BG would allow the branch in the back to easily be removed making the subject stand out even further. Nice work!
Great species you have captured, Shawn. I haven't seen one for years now.
I might try to clone out the branch running parallel to the bird just to see how it looks.
What a fine looking bird and background. I love the lower perch with the lichens, could use a bit more room on the bottom so that it doesn't touch the edge of the frame. I would like the upper perch if I could see the connection. Also, on my calibrated monitor, the reds look a bit oversaturated, even considering that you had warm light. how do you feel about ejecting that upper branch? I'm not big on that kind of work, but sometimes it's a good option.
Lovely speciment, sharp and well exposed. Nice background. Agree losing the upper branch would really enhance this image and maybe give it a little more room above if you have it.
Great shot! She really does look like she is "interested", even if only for a moment. ;) Exposure looks great. I kind of like how the upper branch nicely follows and frames the bird, however with it just kind of "hovering" there not attached to the other part of the branch, it also looks a little odd. Removing it might ultimately make for a better photo.
Shawn:
Magnificent image with great IQ.I like the composition and also the way bird is framed in between two branches.Still I agree with others about eliminating the upper branch.
Love the inquisitive pose of beautiful bird,lights,colors.BTW nice perch and beautiful backdrop.
Thank you for such great feedback.
Here is a different version...PS skills not the greatest....brought the warmth down, cloned out the branch above the bird's head, reworked the crop.
The repost is much cleaner, and much better, Shawn.
It is a great idea that you included the fork of the branch.
Someone pointed this out to me a few years ago on NSN; you either show the fork or clone out the branch.
It is not always true, though.
Here is one species of sparrow that I have not had too much luck with (audio or not). Might have to try the WTSP snippet! Not the most common speciestoo, so always fun to spot one. Nice BG and perch. I prefer the colours on the repost. I did not have an issue with the branch in the OP...both images work for me in that regard. I do find the subject a bit big in the frame in both though.
Really like the repost. The OP was way too warm for me and I didn't like how the lower branch was touching the bottom of the frame.
These issues completely addressed with the repost.
Well done,
Gail
Fox Sparrow
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Not the most common speciestoo, so always fun to spot one. Nice BG and perch. I prefer the colours on the repost. I did not have an issue with the branch in the OP...both images work for me in that regard. I do find the subject a bit big in the frame in both though.
