Could I please have a napkin?

[Warren Spreng]

So my second post, same bird, but thought this a bit whimsical catching him while eating berries from a Honeysuckle bush. Comments, thoughts welcomed.
Canon EOS T3i/Tamron SP 150 - 600mm ISO 800/f6.3/1/640/600mm This is a 50% crop to eliminate a lot of the background branches, selective sharpening on the Cardinal and I brought the saturation of the background down a bit. Also cloned out a branch in front of the Cardinal's chest, probably need a little more practice there. Handheld taken in Pine Hill Park in Mason, OH.

[Diane Miller]

Great title. Birds are messy eaters. Good cloning. Ideally a cleaner surrounding is nice, but we take what we can get. The red berries are a plus, and there are no bright highlights in the branches, which is good. Soft light is often the best.

With the Rebel, you'll get the best quality if you get as close as you can (easier said than done, I know) so you don't have to crop a lot. And that will help focus accuracy, too, by choosing one focus point and placing it on the eye. But then closer means less depth of field -- there are so many tradeoffs in this game.

[Warren Spreng]

Thanks for your reply and tips! Similar to AP, there are so many things to learn!

[Hazel Grant]

Warren, a word of encouragement....I've been a member for about 8 years. Hang in there and you'l be amazed at what you learn. The moderators will be both encouraging and on target critically minded. Look forward to more postings from you.

[Diane Miller]

We're all learning (or should be)! I've just been shooting cardinals in foggy light and they are difficult little critters!

[Warren Spreng]

Warren, a word of encouragement....I've been a member for about 8 years. Hang in there and you'l be amazed at what you learn. The moderators will be both encouraging and on target critically minded. Look forward to more postings from you.

Thanks Hazel, I appreciate the encouragement. Everyone has been very helpful and I look forward to expanding my mind in this great hobby!