What's up there?

[Ian Cassell]

Canon 7D
500/4
1/1250 sec f/5.6 ISO 800 tripod

Crop for comp in CS6
NR on BG in Noiseware Pro

[Diane Miller]

What a cutie! I love wondering what he/she is staring at so intently. The owl is nicely sharp, but I'm a little conflicted about the plant in the immediate BG. Maybe it's OK since it's radiating from the subject -- definitely different! I would touch out the tiny piece of a flower that is cut in half at the top center. What would you think about removing the cactus skeleton on the left, or at least toning it way down? (Would be easier to remove it!) It competes with the lovely little bird. I'd also tone down the white behind the tail. That could be tricky without some almost-pixel-level masking around the tail (?) feathers.

[Ian Cassell]

Thanks, Diane. I was also conflicted about the BG plant, which is part of the reason I posted to get others' opinions. I what you mean about the cactus and yes, I think I'll go in and get rid of it.

[Wendy Kates]

Hi Ian...what a cute bird, and well-captured. I do find the BG plant a little distracting, especially the three branches radiating off to the left. But overall, I love the sharpness, the expression, and the low level at which you captured the image.

[Sandy Witvoet]

Hi Ian.... agree with Diane and Wendy..... Love that "eye"!

[Doug West]

Count me in also with the background. Counting from the left...the first one is ok. #2 should go and
#3 should definitely go since it really looks like its growing out from the owl's head.

Doug

[Edward Arthur]

Just wonderful. This and other of your bird shots have a certain Norman Rockwell quality to them. Captivating and way cool!