Green Woodpecker

[John Robinson]

Green Woodpecker (juvenile)
Young bird at the pool.
Fill flash
D200
Sigma 100-300mm
800ISO
125th@ f8
Crop from horizontal
Levels/Neatimage
Few Highlights aken out in BG
Thanks for comments on last pic.
JohnR

[Jonathan Ashton]

I like the woodpecker very much but the woodpecker and the background ?? -( however natural!)
The image is a little overpowering for me. I feel there is conflict between subject and background, the background is not incidental enough if you get my drift.

[John Robinson]

Thanks Jon
Heres my meagre attempt on th BG !
JohnR

[Bill Dix]

The bird is just gorgeous. Love the pose, and the square crop works for me here. The RP is an improvement. I think a little blur or more negative contrast adjustment might improve it even more. Detail on the bird is extraordinary, and the flash work very good (in the repost you left in the second catchlight).

[Jonathan Ashton]

John repost much better - I am happy now!

[John Robinson]

Thanks both.
Heres my final try. First time I,ve ever used adjustment layers !!! Can,t get the hang of it yet. Maybe I should cut woody out and stick him on a plain background !!(joking!)
Cheers
JohnR

[Grace Scalzo]

I like the color of the background in the second repost the best. Haven't ever seen this bird, he's quite a beauty. I like the detail in the well-worn beak. Good work, John.

[John Robinson]

Thanks Grace
I,ve messed around with it that much that I don,t like it anymore !!
Cheers
John

[Diane Miller]

Well, I like it!! The first RP does is for me! Good work!

[Grace Scalzo]

I'm sorry, John, I was unclear. I meant I like the bg of the second image (Pane 3) that you posted the best (I misspoke and said the second repost). It looks more natural to me than Pane 6.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi John, I like the angled pose, lovely colours on this fellow, and well done with your fill flash - its very subtle. Pane 3 does it for me.