Theme - Summer Tanager

[Judy Howle]

Small bird, and in the frame of the window. I used Topaz Adjust first, then Aquarella and HDR from JixiPix and I used Alien Skin Exposure on various layers and opacities. I just printed one at 8 x 10 to sell at the arts center, looks good! This is a very old photo probably with the 20D. The bird was nesting inside the shed going in thru the broken window. I was at a luncheon at a friend's house and we were eating outside. When I saw the tanager, only the 2nd one I'd ever seen, I jumped up leaving my dessert and started making pictures! I only had my 17 - 85 lens with me and this was about as close as I could get without spooking it. It is cropped some to get rid of distracting elements. Wish I'd had my 100 - 400!

[Hazel Grant]

I had wondered what that theme meant. Clearer now. Fits the idea perfectly. Yes, the big lens would have caught the bird sharper, but then you wouldnt have that wonderful surround.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Hazel. I'm not sure that is what small in the frame usually refers to but on this forum themes are usually open to interpretation

[Mitch Carucci]

I really like this small bird in a large setting. If you had the 100-400mm with you, you might have ignored this charming composition and just zooming in.

[Dennis Bishop]

I like the range of colors and textures. And the story that goes along with it.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Mitch and Dennis! Yes, I agree this comp is more interesting than just a close-up shot.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Judy, I changed the title to a theme entry. I would have jumped up from dessert also

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Judy,

Greetings. Really like that small in frame idea and particularly like the geometry of the composition. The color, too, is striking. I wonder though, if you pulled back a might on the reds if a little more feather detail might show. Thanks for posting.

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Judy Howle]

Thank you Cheryl!! I can't believe I forgot to do that.

Hi, Judy, I changed the title to a theme entry. I would have jumped up from dessert also

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Michael. The art filters I used wiped out the feather detail and there wasn't much to begin with since it was made with the 8 mp 20D from quite a distance.

Judy,

Greetings. Really like that small in frame idea and particularly like the geometry of the composition. The color, too, is striking. I wonder though, if you pulled back a might on the reds if a little more feather detail might show. Thanks for posting.

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Paul Lagasi]

Nice work, very right for the theme., the broken glass and wood frame are lovely...Well doen

[Randall Farhy]

What a fun image, I actually think the lack of detail in the bird enhances the overall feel of this creative piece. I really like this one-it has the feel of an illustration.

[LinzRiverBalmer]

lovely details in the surrounding composition additives, makes the "smoothness" of the bird shine actually and I like that its almost opposites, lots of details elsewhere to the smoothness of the bird. Nice use of the theme.

[Anita Bower]

This image brought a huge smile to my face. :-) I think the position of the bird, the angle of its head and bright color are such happy elements. This is a case in which not having a longer lens allowed you to have the perfect image for this theme.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks everyone! I always loved this image and it looks a lot better with my filter work than it did SOOC. I got it matted today and taking it and 7 others to the Gallery tomorrow. I'm just matting them and using clear bags to keep my cost and the prices down.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

There is something very comical about that bird, he is challenging you to a staring contest! That red really makes him stand out. Love it!

[Anita Bower]

Congratulations on second place.