HEAVENLY HORNED LARK

[gary ellwein]

Captured this little one among clumps of snow. Nikon D7000, Nikkor 600mm, 1.4 TC, f5.6, 1/500, iso 640.

[Grace Scalzo]

Gary, I love your concept. To my taste, the bird is quite large in the frame, too centered, and the feathers look crunchy and too rough. Is this a big crop? If so, I personally would try a looser composition.

[Bill Dix]

I really like the head angle, and "heavenly" appearance. I would second Grace's suggestion for a looser crop. I tried to capture one of these guys a few weeks ago, but couldn't get anywhere close.

[Marina Scarr]

Lovely subject and love seeing it in snow. Nice that you can see the one "horn." I agree the feathers look crunch, probably from oversharpening. Is this a large crop? While I like the portrait look, I think you could give it a looser crop and it would be even more appealing and less destructive to the image.

[vishaljadhav]

Nice subject, lovely details ,the bird appearing from snow is very interesting
liked the image overall

[Daniel Cadieux]

I agree with the suggestions and remarks above, and would also clean up the glassy "marbled" look to the eye. I too like the concept and feel that a bit more tweaking can bring this up a level or two.

[gary ellwein]

Thanks too all for the C & C. I loosened the crop and cut back on the USM.

[Grace Scalzo]

Gary, That is much more pleasing to me...how do you feel about it?