White-crowned Parrot

[Steve Maxson]

This White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis) was photographed in Costa Rica. The perch is a branch on a large dead tree and the background is the distant Arenal volcano. 1D 4, 500 mm f/4 + 1.4X, 1/250, f/5.6, ISO 800, 580 EX, better beamer, fill flash at -2 2/3, tripod. I removed the flash-generated catchlight from the eye, darkened the pupil, cleaned up the beak a little, and ran nr on the background. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

[gail bisson]

The BG color is absolutely beautiful and acts as a wonderful compliment to the bird. The ruffled neck feathers are perfectly matched to the BG.
I like the IQ and the lovely feather detail.
I would take about 5% off the RHS and wish the perch wasn't quite so big but that is a minor nit of a beautiful image,
Gail

[Tim King]

Very nice, Steve. A desirable and fitting background. I think the perch would look bigger if you tighten up the frame. Fine job.

[Marina Scarr]

What a cutie pie this bird is, Steve, and I love the colors and pose. Your BG is so outstanding and matches your bird so well. Is this a natural BG? Agree on a bit off of the right.

[Steve Maxson]

Your BG is so outstanding and matches your bird so well. Is this a natural BG?

Marina - yes, this was the natural background - I didn't do a thing to it other than some nr.

[Doug Brown]

The ruffled feathers and great eye contact really make this image Steve. I agree with the others about trimming a little off the right, and I'd consider going with a warmer white balance.

[Nick Palmieri]

Agree with others on a sweet BG. Very nice detail in the bird. Nice job.

[Diane Miller]

Yes, lovely bird! I'd trim the right quite a bit -- maybe try to put the bird's eye on the 1/3 line.

[Steve Maxson]

Thanks for the comments and feedback everyone!

Here is a repost - I cropped some from the right and warmed up the color balance a little.

[Jan Wegener]

awesome image. The repost is even better

[Jim Crosswell]

Great image Steve! Repost looks much better. I like the sharpness, ruffled feathers, pose and clean BG.

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the repost. right on! great job